David M. Rohrer Aviation Center, Fairfax County Police

Remodeling the Fairfax County Police Force’s Crimefighting and Emergency Medical Treatment Facility
Fairfax County, Virginia

Originally built in 1984 and named after the former deputy county executive for public safety, the David M. Rohrer Aviation Center serves as the Fairfax County Police Department’s central heliport, crimefighting, and emergency medical facility. Known by the callsign “Fairfax 1,” the facility completes over 150 helicopter missions per month and more than 80 medical evacuations per year. Our team served as lead architect and engineer for the demolishing and remodeling of the new building, allowing for the installation of up-to-date technology and support for current and future amenities.

2

helicopter bay hangers

25

vehicle parking lot

24/7

operations

The newly built facility allows for better storage of the county’s two twin-engine helicopters, medical personnel and supplies, police officers, and pilots. Of the 23,000 square feet of land, the project includes a 16,000-square-foot main building, helipad, and 25-vehicle parking lot. The base serves a 24/7 mission of specialized staff and crew, including flight officers, pilots, paramedics, and maintenance crews.

Amenities inside the building include office space, ready room, kitchen, storage space, equipment and personal locker rooms, classroom, medical training room, and two helicopter bays. An additional meeting room was designed into the building to provide public access while remaining separate from the secure functions of the facility.

Owner

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services

Client

Fairfax County

Square Footage

16,000 SF

Certification

LEED Silver

Cost

$10 million

Awards

Bronze Award: Officer Station Design Awards

Officer Magazine 2023
Engineering Excellence Merit Award
ACEC Virginia 2024

Merit Award: Fairfax County's James M. Scott

Exceptional Design Awards 2024 

Services

  • Architecture
  • Engineering

Markets

  • Community Facilities

Regions

  • Mid-Atlantic