New Fire Station Site Selected In Anne Arundel, Location Will Offer Quicker Response Times

Press release from the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department:

July 27, 2023

The Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department is embarking on an exciting endeavor that will greatly benefit the surrounding communities. An alternative site has been chosen for the new fire station that will now be situated in the 100 block of Stepneys Lane, strategically positioned between Central Elementary School and Central Special School. This larger site presents an incredible opportunity for the construction of a cutting-edge 25,000 square-foot facility. Serving not only Edgewater but also Mayo, Davidsonville, Harwood, and Annapolis, the new station promises improved response times and an enhanced Insurance Services Office Rating, particularly for some of the residents on the Mayo peninsula, who will now be within a 5-mile radius of the station.

The benefits of this state-of-the-art facility extend to the dedicated responders as well. Both career and volunteer firefighters will operate 24/7 from a facility that meets the latest safety standards, while providing them with the resources and tools necessary to deliver exceptional emergency services. The construction of this new building marks the end of an era, replacing the outdated fire station that has served the community since 1946.

This impressive change in location was made possible thanks to the invaluable support of County Executive Stuart Pittman and his dedicated staff, along with the Anne Arundel County Board of Education, who generously provided the surplus property for the fire station. By choosing this new and cost-effective site, the Woodland Beach VFD has exemplified fiscal responsibility while ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. It stands as a shining example of how collaboration and thoughtful planning can meet the needs of the community, creating a safer environment for everyone involved.

In addition to the County Executive and Board of Education, the members of the Woodland Beach VFD also would like to thank the members of the Anne Arundel County Council for approving the land transfer from the Board of Education to the County, as well as, the approval of the property lease. Likewise, we would like to thank Senator Sarah Elfreth and Delegate Seth Howard for their work and unwavering support in the legislature for this project!

This new building project and location is currently entering into the design/permitting phases. We will be sure to keep everyone posted as this new project gets underway!

This press release was produced by the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.