As West Lafayette continues to grow, so must the public safety infrastructure that supports it. The planned expansion of Fire Station No. 3 is more important than ever, as a wave of new residential development is accelerating directly north of the station.
Over 2,500 housing units are planned or under construction in adjacent parcels – each in different stages of approval or build-out. As this growth takes shape, the City is moving forward with a station expansion that will strengthen our emergency response capabilities, improve firefighter safety, and protect our community for the long term.
You’re Invited: Public Input Session
The City of West Lafayette invites residents to learn more and share their thoughts at an upcoming public input session:
Thursday, October 30, 2025
John R. Dennis Wellness Center
1101 Kalberer Road
7:00 – 8:30 PM
This session will include a presentation of the project plans, updates on the design process, and an opportunity for community feedback.
Whether you’re a nearby resident, a concerned homeowner, or simply interested in our public safety future, we want to hear from you.
Why Now?
Rising Housing Demand
With thousands of new homes being built nearby, Station 3 must be equipped to keep pace. The expansion will improve response times by adding a new fire engine and housing more firefighters onsite – helping ensure that the northern third of the city is well-covered during single or multiple emergencies.
Did you know?
- Over 16% of the time, the West Lafayette Fire Department is responding to multiple emergencies simultaneously.
- Roughly two out of every three calls for service are medical emergencies, where seconds count just as much as they do in fire response.
Adding a second fire crew at Station 3 will allow WLFD to respond faster to multiple medical incidents in the city’s northern neighborhoods.
Protecting Our ISO Class 2 Rating
West Lafayette is proud to maintain a Class 2 ISO Rating – a distinction held by fewer than 6% of communities nationwide. This rating, based on fire suppression readiness and staffing, not only reflects excellent emergency service but also helps lower homeowners’ insurance rates.
However, rising call volumes and staffing limitations tied to facility size put this rating at risk. This expansion is a proactive step to maintain our high standards and community benefit.
What’s Been Completed
- Architect Selected: DLZ Indiana, LLC (July 2025)
- Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc): Kettelhut Construction, Inc. selected in September 2025
- Delivery Method: CMc model to ensure streamlined design-to-build execution
- Funding Update (September 2025): $2.5 million SAFER Grant awarded to fund 12 new firefighter positions
Expansion Highlights
The updated Fire Station No. 3 will include:
- Two new drive-through apparatus bays
- Modern training space and additional firefighter living quarters
- HazMat vehicle and trailer storage
- Decontamination and airlock systems to reduce harmful exposure
- Expanded parking
These enhancements aren’t just for firefighters – they also protect community members who visit the station for tours, events, or in moments of need.
Questions or Comments?
Contact: Development
Phone: 765-775-5160
Email: development@westlafayette.in.gov