BRENTWOOD – Work on a new but controversial fire station in downtown Brentwood has begun despite objections from some veterans and residents.
Officials said the proposed 8,137-square-foot Fire Station 94, next to Brentwood Veterans’ Memorial Hall on First Street, will enhance emergency response times.
However, some local veterans objected to its location, claiming that the site next to the hall has been “historically and legally” designated for veteran-use only.
During a groundbreaking event on Monday, Contra Costa County Fire District Chief Lewis Broschard said the new station will not only serve the city of Brentwood but will also support neighboring communities such as Discovery Bay and Oakley.
“For the community, it means reduced response times. It means wild land and structural firefighting capability right here out of downtown Brentwood,” said Broschard. “It means the provision of paramedic advanced life support services here in downtown Brentwood to serve a very busy portion of our fire district.”
Fire Station 94 will also have state-of-the-art facilities to support firefighters, allowing for better quality of life, health, training, and community interaction. The additions will help firefighters exposed to chemicals which can lead to serious ailments such as cancer, Broschard said.
It will feature facilities such as decontamination showers, turnout extractors, a decontamination sauna, and modern systems for the extraction of diesel exhaust particulates to keep personnel “healthy and safe.”
The fire station, estimated to cost about $13 million, is expected to be completed in 16 months.
Brentwood currently has one station on Balfour Road that serves over 65,000 residents across nearly 15 square miles.
Fire Station 94 will be the second station for the city. It was previously known as Fire Station 54, which was then operated by the East Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
In 2014, Fire Station 54 was closed permanently due to financial woes.
The fire district was then acquired by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District through annexation in 2022.
Apart from Fire Station 94, the Contra Costa County district plans to build another station through Measure X funds to meet the city’s growing needs.
Critics of the project have repeatedly said they are not opposed to the new fire station but questioned why the city or the county did not consider an area of Stratford Court and East Sand Creek Road as an alternate site.
In June, the Brentwood City Council approved the construction of Fire Station 94, overturning a rejection by the Planning Commission in May.
Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis said there has been a lot of “anxiety and stress” over the project in the past three years.
Burgis said Brentwood lacks mutual fire and emergency response aid in the northern part of the city, with barely any new mutual aids on the east side of town.
“We need to have fire stations that protect the people, whether it’s out on Vasco Road, out on a fire, or within a senior community that has people that need help. And so, we are excited to have a facility that’s going to provide safe coverage for all our communities today in Brentwood,” said Burgis. “Today in Brentwood, three or four trucks are arriving from other cities; we need to be able to take care of things today.”
During her speech, Burgis was heckled and booed by several people standing outside of the event space. After the event, Burgis told reporters she had expected such incidents, adding it was rather interesting “to be the focal point” of the issue.
She said the “controversy” with veterans made her sad and concerned.
“I really do want to help make that building what they need it to be. It’s not going anywhere, we’re investing in it, and it’s going to be a good place for them,” said Burgis. “And I understand the anger and frustration, but I am just going to keep being there for them, and when they’re ready, I’ll be there to help.”
Daniel Duran, president of the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building board, said veterans and some residents have repeatedly asked for a California Environmental Quality Act study on the project.
However, Brentwood city staff had determined that the project qualifies for a categorical exemption.
Duran said it will be difficult for fire trucks to maneuver through downtown, especially after school hours, as the surrounding areas will be congested.
Another veteran, Michael Clement, the first vice commander of American Legion 202, said having a fire station next to a veterans memorial hall will affect those suffering from the traumas of war and post-traumatic stress disorder.