Germantown leaders propose combined police and fire facility amid ongoing needs assessment

The Germantown Public Safety Commission convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss critical infrastructure needs for the village's fire and police departments. A significant focus of the meeting was the potential for a combined facility to house both departments, a topic that has been under consideration for several years.

Chief Delaine emphasized the urgency of addressing the village's public safety needs, noting that the current infrastructure has been inadequate for over two decades. The commission is now looking to move forward with plans for a new facility, ideally a combined building that could offer cost savings and operational efficiencies. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration between the fire and police departments, with both chiefs expressing support for exploring a shared facility.

However, challenges were acknowledged, particularly regarding security requirements that may limit the extent of shared spaces. Chief Martin pointed out that while a combined facility could save costs, the unique operational needs of each department might restrict shared usage to only a few areas, such as training rooms.

The commission also discussed potential locations for the new facility, with a preference for exploring all available properties in the village, rather than limiting options to those currently owned by the village. Friedenfeld Park was mentioned as a favorable site, although concerns about sacrificing parkland were raised. The commission agreed that a thorough analysis of all potential sites is necessary to ensure the best decision is made for the community.

In addition to the new facility, the commission considered the ongoing need for improvements to Fire Station 2. Members expressed the importance of addressing both the new construction and the existing station's needs simultaneously, recognizing that the timeline for a new facility could extend several years.

To enhance community engagement and transparency, the commission proposed organizing tours of existing facilities for the public. This initiative aims to provide residents with a clearer understanding of the current conditions and the necessity for upgrades.

As the meeting concluded, the commission underscored the importance of moving forward with a combined facility plan while remaining open to exploring all options. The next steps will involve further research and site evaluations, ensuring that the village's public safety infrastructure meets the needs of its residents effectively.