Project Name:  Bristol-Kendall Fire Stations 1 & 2

Location:  Yorkville, IL

System:  Northern Computers Card Access System

Size of project:  Station 1 – 22,050 sq ft, Station 2 – 13,500 sq ft

Scope of work:  Provide and install a complete Northern Computers Access System for two locations, with remote capabilities for access.  Installation included, pull and trim of wire, both in conduit and in wire molding.  New proximity readers and keypads were mounted and tested throughout the facility.  Finally, the project ended with the programming of the cards, doors and authorization. 

Bristol Kendall Fire Department needed an updated solution to their master key system for entry into their existing Station 1 on Beaver Creek Road.  Employee turnover, changing pass codes and lost & misplaced keys were just a few of the already existing issues concerning key management at the fire department.  With Station #2 under construction, Assistant Chief Tim Fairfield hired on a local consultant to help him find a real long-term solution that would be more reliable, secure and flexible with their ever-changing needs.  With the consultant’s advice, the fire department decided to pursue the Northern Computers Card Access System.  

The project went to bid and the Fire Department was pleased to learn that Cipher Electric had secured the job.  The Bristol Kendall Fire Station was no stranger to Cipher’s electricians, as they had done all of the electrical work during the initial construction of the building.  Knowing that they would be working with a competent reputable contractor, the fire department was ready to take the project on with a comfortable feeling. 

The installation of the Northern Computer Access System went very smooth.  Cipher personnel were on site daily pulling wire, installing devices, programming & testing, and answering all of the Owner’s questions and concerns.  When asked by Cipher how the access system is fairing with the fire department, Asst. Fairfield states, “We’re very happy with the Cipher installation and the technician that was working on site, who I had correspondence with almost on a regular basis.  We’ve had guys out on a few troubleshooting issues, mostly due in part to our switching out our computer networks, thus needing programming”. 

With the Northern Computer Access System, both stations have the capability to allow access into either property remotely.  Cipher electricians can tailor the access cards to work only on certain days, time of day, or with special authorization.  Cards can be deleted or added at any time and a report can even be generated, so the department always knows who’s coming & going.  The new City Hall is another upcoming project in Yorkville that plans on networking with the existing fire stations, also utilizing the Northern Computers Access System.