Emergency Training Center Opens

THE WOODLANDS, Texsa -- Public safety personnel and community leaders gathered on Thursday, October 30, for a ceremony to mark the official grand opening of The Woodlands Emergency Training Center. The state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot facility meets the preparedness and development needs of regional entities in the areas of emergency management and response. The Training Center endeavors to provide a comprehensive, multi-disciplined and coordinated approach among all emergency agencies to provide superior service for “all risk hazards”. The Training Center is located off the Interstate 45 feeder road between FM 1488 and Texas SH 242.

Speakers for the event included Senator Tommy Williams, Representative Rob Eissler, Fire Chief Alan B. Benson, The Woodlands Fire Department President Bruce Tough, The Woodlands Township Chairman Nelda Blair, and Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development, Lone Star College System, Linda Head.

“The Emergency Training Center is about all agencies working together to better serve citizens,” said Fire Chief Benson. “This will provide a true common area to train together.” The Emergency Training Center will also draw people from around the country to study all aspects of emergency management in this state-of-the-art facility. In addition, Lone Star College will begin credit courses as well as continuing education in fire sciences and other public safety areas, beginning in January 2009.

Chief Benson and President Tough recognized The Woodlands Fire Department Board of Directors, The Woodlands Township and the Emergency Training Center Project Managers for their hard work and dedication. In addition, Congressman Kevin Brady’s office presented an American flag to Chief Benson.

Special recognition was also given to organizations going above and beyond the call of duty in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, including the City of Shenandoah, Conroe Independent School District, King Fuels, Sam’s Club of The Woodlands, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center and The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center.

“The Woodlands Township salutes the efforts of The Woodlands Fire Department in creating one of the finest emergency training facilities in the country," said Nelda Blair, Chairman of the Board, The Woodlands Township. "Already, this facility has hosted national and international visitors, and many city, state and county officials will come over the next several years to see what we’re doing. The Woodlands is known for many quality facilities and programs, and this new facility is a great example and certainly shows our support of public safety, which includes leading-edge emergency services.”

The Emergency Training Center features six administrative/instructor offices; a library; media room; reception area; work stations; work rooms; break room; equipment storage; large, dividable classroom with the capacity of 120 students; four labs with the capacity of 30 students each; three apparatus/storage bays; breathing air fill station; gear storage; exercise facility and physical wellness area; a paved drill ground area; and a highly technical drill tower capable of conducting four separate live burn simulations and a variety of other special operations training.

Funding for the facility was provided through a partnership among The Woodlands Township, The Woodlands Fire Department and the Community Associations of The Woodlands, forming Economic Development Zone No. 4.

For more information on The Woodlands Emergency Training Center, please call 281 367-3444 or visit the Community Associations Web site and click Fire Department.