FIERO Design Award is Extra Special for UVM Rescue Alum Alex Halpern

Alex Halpern presents UVM Rescue’s Alicia Rosato with the FIERO Award for EMS Station Design Excellence on April 26, 2025.

At the University of Vermont, participation in clubs is an integral part of the student experience. And with over 240 student-led organizations, it’s no surprise that 80% of undergraduates join at least one club during their time on the hill.

While every organization leaves its own footprint on campus, few clubs have been around as long—or had as much impact—as UVM Rescue. Entirely student run, the group is governed by a team of elected officers who manage every aspect of operations. The all-volunteer organization responds to over 2,000 emergency calls on campus and in surrounding communities annually, is revenue positive, and has trained over 1,000 students since its founding in 1972.

Few know the impact UVM Rescue has had in the community better than Alex Halpern, President of Freeman French Freeman. Not only did Alex serve on the Rescue squad as a student in the late 1980s, he also led the design team for UVM’s current facility on East Avenue in Burlington.

It was Alex’s efforts as an architect that brought him back to UVM Rescue for its 53^rd Annual Banquet in April. As part of the evening’s program, Alex had the honor of presenting Rescue’s newly elected officers with a coveted FIERO Award, which recognizes the “best of the best” in emergency services facilities nationwide.

The award was made by the Fire Industry Education Resource Organization (FIERO), a national non-profit organization whose mission is to improve emergency services through education and research. The South Carolina based group hosts conferences and workshops on fire protection as well as administers an annual design awards competition.

UVM Rescue was one of fifteen facilities from around the country that received awards in late 2024. What makes the UVM prize unique is that it is the first-ever award by the organization specifically for EMS stations, a unique subcategory among emergency services facilities.

The FIERO award now hangs proudly alongside another important distinction for UVM Rescue: LEED Silver certification, which was granted in 2023 for the building’s energy-saving design. The two awards are a great reflection of UVM’s commitment to both architectural excellence and environmental sustainability.

“Both as an alumnus and now as an architect,” says Halpern, “my experience at UVM Rescue has been foundational to my life and career. The core values of UVM Rescue—pride, service, and commitment—have stuck with me to this day.”