Training for the public safety personnel just became more realistic with the opening of the Joplin Public Safety Training Tower today. During the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Fire Chief James Furgerson, joined by Mayor Mike Seibert, Joplin City Council, Joplin Police Department, Joplin Area Chamber Ambassadors and other public safety agencies, stated that this new facility allows for a variety of emergency simulations that will benefit the training exercises for Joplin personnel, as well as area agencies.
“This tower has been equipped with various equipment that we can utilize to stage numerous scenarios in order for our staff to train in a very real situation,” said Furgerson. “We can now train effectively with various obstacles involved with burning buildings of all heights, rescues from these buildings, and fire extinguishing of chimneys and tall roofs.”
The four-story training tower provides a realistic and safe training environment for both fire and police personnel, and is part of the first phase of a two-phase development for the Public Safety Training Center. The tower is constructed of structural steel with steel panels and movable interior walls with three controlled burn areas and simulators for both a high-rise fire and/or an elevator rescue. The exterior has a brick-like appearance, with provisions for teaching rappelling and ladder use operations.
Other fire training simulators installed create lifelike fire conditions ranging from a couch or a kitchen fire, an attic fire and a flashover, all of which are possible in a real fire situation. These props were built, designed and installed by Pro-Safe Fire Training Systems Inc., using heavy duty stainless steel and located in three separate burn rooms. The installation includes the controls for operating the fire and backup safety systems such as fail-safe valves, temperature monitoring systems, and ventilation and exhaust systems.
With the multiple features, the structure facilitates numerous building clearing scenarios encountered in both residential and business occupancies for both the Fire and Police departments.
The Police Department also has educational opportunities using the “Less Lethal Wall” which allows officers to simulate gunfire and other weapons while trainees utilize the wall to practice taking cover in dangerous scenarios. An Emergency Vehicle Operation Course provides an obstacle course for police officers to negotiate as they simulate a live pursuit of speeding vehicles.
Officers navigating the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Course face numerous challenges and scenarios experience on duty, providing them the skills training needed to properly manage a potentially dangerous setting.
“The training tower and grounds are unique to this area because of its versatility for scene management,” said Assistant Police Chief Matt Stewart. “With both the driving course and the SWAT course, officers can experience a variety of police call situations, giving them the chance to meet those challenges just as they would if they were on duty.”
The Training Tower is located on the City property along Highway 171, just south of the former airport terminal. Funding for the Public Safety Training Tower was secured through the passage of a Public Safety Sales Tax in 2006. Construction of the training tower, including the burn props, was budgeted just short of $1.2 million dollars, with WHP Training Towers serving as the general contractor.
Phase I’s initial component was the temporary training center that opened in the fall of 2013 in the former airport terminal on Dennis Weaver Boulevard. With 5,000 square feet, the training center provides classrooms and office space for training personnel in both fire suppression and law enforcement fields.
As the development of the Public Safety Training Center moves into Phase II, the hands-on training area will be completed along with the construction and occupancy of the new Public Safety Training Center Classroom and office facility. Work is estimated to be completed in the next few years.
Public safety officials have established the following as the Mission Statement for the PSTC:
To facilitate safe, professional and relevant public safety education and training based upon industry standards and best practices. We will utilize a multidisciplinary and dynamic approach including the most contemporary methodologies and technology, all of which ultimately results in superior emergency services to the public.
For more information about the PSTC, contact Police Assistant Chief Matt Stewart at 417-623-3131, ext. 696, or Fire Chief Jim Furgerson at 417-624-0820, ext. 1300.
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