"Each day, in every corner of the commonwealth, volunteer firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line to protect our citizens, while emergency service personnel enter tense and traumatic situations to answer the call of those in need" said Governor Rendell. "These living heroes ignore the dangers they face and press on to ensure the safety and well-being of their neighbors. We must be certain that they have the resources and training they need to effectively perform their duties."
The planned $5.4 million facility, which is to be built in Spring Township, will fill a vital role in preserving the safety of central Pennsylvania residents and help local firefighters and emergency service personnel meet growing homeland security responsibilities. The center will allow trainees to confront a number of scenarios, including vehicle rescues, situations involving hazardous materials, high angle and confined space rescues, terrorism response, hostage simulation, vehicle operations, and vehicle extrication.
The Governor said that although the training site will be open to any fire company or emergency medical service operation, the 12 counties expected to take greatest advantage from this project include, Bedford, Blair, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Snyder and Union. More than 115 fire departments and nearly 73 emergency medical services organizations service those counties.
The facility will also feature a training tower and a "burn building" where live fire exercises can be held. In addition, it will house a classroom with audio visual capabilities.
With increasing population demands and geographic considerations, the Governor said funding the project was an easy decision.
"Centre County is the fifth largest county in Pennsylvania in terms of land area, with a growing population," the Governor said. "By locating this training center in Spring Township, regional firefighters, police officers and emergency service personnel can more conveniently access the life-saving preparation they need to do their jobs in a setting that will encourage better team-building skills."
The Governor said that the funds would be provided through the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. RACP is a commonwealth grant program, administered through the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects.
Since taking office in 2003, Governor Rendell has supported volunteer fire fighting companies and ambulance service units across Pennsylvania by allocating $75 million through the Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program. Grants can be used to help first responders improve their abilities to provide fire, ambulance and rescue, emergency medical or basic and advance life support services. It also can be used to repair or purchase firefighting, ambulance or rescue services; reduce debt; and train and certify members.
To learn more about Pennsylvania's efforts to support its 2,400 fire departments, visit www.osfc.state.pa.us. For information on the state's emergency medical services, visit www.health.state.pa.us, and click on the "Emergency Medical Services" link under "Health Topics."
