The Village of Westmont is weighing significant upgrades to its Fire Department facility, with three proposed designs ranging from $10 million to $28 million. The discussions, held on May 16, 2025, highlighted the urgent need for improvements to address space limitations, safety concerns, and operational efficiency.

The first option, a temporary rehabilitation of the existing structure, is estimated to cost between $10 million and $11 million. While it aims to enhance the building's interior and establish decontamination zones, it falls short of addressing critical issues such as inadequate living quarters, ADA compliance, and severe weather shelter. Fire officials expressed concerns that this solution would only serve as a stopgap measure, failing to resolve the underlying problems of space and call volume.

The second proposal, a more extensive rehab and addition design, would cost between $23 million and $25 million. This plan includes four larger bays and improved living quarters, but still does not fully meet the department's needs, particularly regarding storage and response times due to the layout constraints of the existing building.

The most ambitious option, a new facility designed from the ground up, is projected to cost between $25 million and $28 million. This design promises to provide all necessary features, including five bays, adequate administrative space, and compliance with safety regulations. It aims to eliminate leaks and inefficiencies associated with the current structure, ensuring that firefighters can respond quickly and effectively.

Fire Chief Johanek emphasized the importance of maintaining operational coverage throughout the construction process, assuring the community that response times would not be compromised. The proposed designs also honor the history of the fire department, with plans to preserve the legacy of the Chief Johanek Firehouse.

As the Village of Westmont deliberates on these options, the decision will significantly impact the Fire Department's ability to serve the community effectively in the years to come.