Facility to enhance training for police, fire & EMS personnel
Hamilton County officials broke ground Monday morning, Nov. 3, on a new Public Safety Training Center. The new center will provide training opportunities for multiple agencies countywide, reducing the need for first responders to travel outside Hamilton County for specialized instruction.
“I challenge every firefighter, police officer, and public safety person in this county to make the best of this state-of-the-art facility,” Chad Knecht, Executive Director of Hamilton County Emergency Operations, said during the ceremony. “Never rest on your laurels. The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in the combat of public safety.”
Hundreds of local leaders and public safety officials from every Hamilton County city and town took part in the groundbreaking. The 60-acre campus, located near 161st Street and River Road in Noblesville, will feature more than 20,000 square feet of classroom and tactical space, a five-story fire training tower, an outdoor firing range, and a SWAT and defensive tactics area.
“The training they’ll get out here will have long lasting effects on Hamilton County,” said Steve Dillinger, president of the Hamilton County Commissioners. “We are so excited because we’ve been working on this project for 15 years. Government works slow, but we’re here now and we’re very happy about it.”
Once complete, the $32 million project will serve as a regional hub for joint exercises, advanced certifications, and interagency collaboration. The training facility is being funded through county-issued bonds and is expected to take 18 months to complete.
Photos provided