Firefighter Training Site in Blackford County Now Complete

Governor Mike Braun announced the completion of 14 new Hub-and-Spoke firefighter training sites across Indiana on July 6, including one in Blackford County. The $7.7 million state investment — part of a larger $17.7 million package approved by the General Assembly in 2023 — places live burn training structures within 30 miles or 45 minutes of all career and volunteer fire departments statewide.

An additional $10 million from the same package funded new personal protective equipment for volunteer fire departments.

Each site is locally owned and maintained. The state funded construction of training towers, burn buildings, and other facilities needed to complete hands-on requirements for Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification. Sites are equipped with training structures and props for live-fire exercises meeting industry standards.

Local career and volunteer fire departments now have a state-funded training facility in their own county for certification and skill development.

Source: WKVI — New firefighter training sites across Indiana; Indiana Department of Homeland Security