The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Alexander County Emergency Services Training Facility. The ribbon cutting is set for Monday, March 31 at 4:00 p.m. at the facility, located at 175 Fairgrounds Road in Taylorsville.
The Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office spearheaded the project after receiving approval from the Alexander County Board of Commissioners.
Marty Pennell, Commission Chairman, said he believes this training facility will be a valuable tool. “We are so appreciative of the hard work and dedication of our emergency services staff and volunteers. This training facility will provide learning opportunities that will help reduce injuries and save lives.”
The cost of the new training facility is approximately $110,000, using monies recouped from the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA).
Interim Fire Marshal Garrett Huffman said this type of facility can cost between $300,000 to $400,000, but savings options were explored.
“The Fire Marshal’s Office sought out several local contractors to supply the materials and services to build our facility to reduce costs while still providing the same quality of fire training,” said Huffman. “By having our own training facility, our eight fire departments and other agencies can utilize it for their training and continuing education needs.”
Huffman said the training facility has a “burn cell” that can be replaced as needed, as well as a semi-open floor plan, two interior stairs, a rappelling tower, multi-level windows for ventilation and ladder training, with plans to expand training opportunities needed to meet the NC Firefighter Curriculum Job Performance Requirements.
Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) has provided a Memorandum of Use to allow their instructors to teach and students to earn credit hours.
Fire departments utilize training facilities with burn buildings to provide firefighters with safe, controlled training environments to develop and practice skills needed for real-world fire suppression and rescue, ultimately saving lives and property.
Huffman said burn buildings simulate the conditions of a real fire, allowing firefighters to experience heat, smoke, and other hazards in a controlled setting. They also practice crucial skills like hose handling, ventilation, search and rescue, and fire behavior analysis.
“A strong training program with a good facility leads to improved firefighter skills, safer and more effective fire suppression, and ultimately a lower ISO (Insurance Service Office) score, which means better insurance rates for the community,” Huffman related.
For more information, contact Huffman at (828) 632-9336.