Commissioners outline station upgrades, radio replacement and headquarters study in FY26 capital briefing

Boston Fire Department officials told the City Council Committee on Ways and Means on May 13 that the FY26 capital submissions include radio system upgrades, station repairs and design work for several new or renovated firehouses.

Deputy Commissioner Kevin Coyne said the department is partnering with other public‑safety agencies on a citywide radio system upgrade to modernize shared communications infrastructure. “This is the entire radio system that all of the public safety agencies within Boston use,” Coyne said, describing equipment and site upgrades to maintain redundancy and coverage.

Staff described structural and engine repairs planned for several stations (Engine 9 and 21 mentioned specifically), an ongoing design for Engine 3 in the South End and a design process underway for a South Boston waterfront facility tied to a developer pre‑filing under Article 80. Coyne also referenced ongoing capital work at Moon Island, where seawall repairs and related work are in progress.

Councilors asked about deferred maintenance and whether any stations had required temporary closure; the department said there have been no closures but that many stations are old and in need of periodic structural, HVAC and energy‑management upgrades. Leaders said they are pursuing a mix of capital and operating fixes and had requested HVAC and energy‑management funding to reduce long‑term costs.

The committee did not take formal votes on capital items at the hearing; councilors asked for follow‑up on project timelines and for the department to provide updates on design and procurement schedules.