Sept. 11, 2023

Johnson City Fire Department holds groundbreaking ceremony for training facility

 The City of Johnson City broke ground on Monday, Sept. 11 on a new fire training center, a 3-acre property behind Fire Station 7 located at 2830 W. Walnut St. The facility will include training classrooms, a driver training area, burn pad, and live-fire training tower giving agencies across the county access to hands-on experience.

“One of the City’s strategic priorities is excellence in government which requires a forward-thinking, future-ready Fire Department,” said Mayor Todd Fowler. “We are committed to giving our first responders the skills and resources to perform at the best of their capabilities. This training facility meets that need and honors one of our top priorities.”

The new training center replaces the existing one previously located at Station 7 which has been inactive for nearly 10 years. The department outgrew the former space, which no longer met the standards for modern fire agencies. The new facility will provide exceptional access for current and future fire fighters to have immersive and experiential learning.

“This facility will give smaller volunteer agencies resources to train alongside larger communities like Johnson City, preparing all fire fighters for future success,” said Chief David Bell. “This project is critical to our advancement and benefits our community partners.”

Shaw & Shanks Architects completed the architectural design earlier this year. In August, GRC Construction was awarded the project bid for more than $4.6 million by the Board of Commissioners. Funding is provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.

“This is the single largest project in the history of the Johnson City Fire Department,” said Chief Bell. “The City Commission and administration recognizes the importance of maintaining excellence in the Fire Department so that we can serve our citizens to the fullest. We are grateful for their support and commitment to this project.”

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