Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation (AFRF) announces first federal funding award of $500,000 sponsored through the 5^thCongressional District office of Congresswoman Nikema Williams to renovate Atlanta Fire Rescue Station 16. The funding will support the renovation of the station and will include critical station improvements. The Foundation alongside the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department will work on plans to reimagine Fire Rescue Station 16 which was originally built in 1963. Renovations are long overdue as this historic fire station continues to provide best-in-class firefighting services.

“Today’s funding announcement is a major milestone for our organization and for public safety as we continue to support the personal and professional lives of the brave men and women of Atlanta Fire Rescue,” said Taos Wynn, President & CEO, Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation. “We are grateful to Congresswoman Williams and her office for recognizing the importance of investing capital into the fire and emergency response ecosystem of Atlanta and the purpose it serves to the residents and their community.”

“Atlanta Fire Rescue Station 16 is an important part of our history; as it served as the duty assignment for Atlanta’s first Black Firefighters serving the Vine City and English Avenue communities,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams of Georgia’s 5^th Congressional District. “Securing $500,000 of Community Project Funding for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation to deliver critical investments in public safety, while building on the legacy of the trailblazers who called Atlanta Fire Rescue Station 16 home, is important not only to the 5th Congressional District, but to all of Atlanta.” 

"As Fire Chief of AFRD, we are honored to receive this noteworthy award to assist with renovations for Fire Station 16. This investment not only provides facility upgrades and modernization, it contributes to the legacy of those who came before us,” said AFRD Fire Chief, Roderick M. Smith. “These renovations will assist with sustaining the provision of top-notch firefighting services while preserving the rich history of our department. We extend our deepest gratitude to Congresswoman Nikema Williams and the 5th Congressional District office for their unwavering support of our mission to safeguard the lives of Atlanta residents."