The dedication included a history of the old and new burn building, remarks from the SF2DO Board and Elected officials, as well as the blessing of the building and ribbon cutting.
The building, which was designed by architect, David Streebin, of Omaha, Nebraska of RDG Planning and Design, gives firefighters the ability to train in as many scenarios possible in fighting fires.
The facility, located outside of Frackville, contains 10 rooms which range from a "row home" style house, home with a garage, jail cell, homes with awnings, and a home where a hoarder might live. The facility can also be used to recreate a live shooter scenario.
The new facility is said to be able to last anywhere from 50 to 75 years. The previous building, which was deemed unsafe prior to demolition, only lasted 24 years.
Reverend Fred Crawford, Chaplain for the Schuylkill County Firefighters Association, gave the Invocation.
Eric Eichenberg, of Minersville Fire & Rescue, gave a history of the burn building and the project.
James Misstishin, Pottsville Fire Chief, talked about the building's use for training.
"There's a lot to this building, we offer the building to law enforcement and EMS for training. This building is more than just a burn building", said Misstishin.
Tom Slate Sr., Chairman of the SF2DO Board, also gave remarks thanking those that contributed to the project.
Senator Dave Argall, Representatives Mike Tobash, Neal Goodman, and Jerry Knowles also offered remarks. Commissioners Frank Staudenmeier and Gary Hess, were also in attendance.
Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage spoke about the future of the building, "This is why we do this", Halcovage said while referring to the children standing next to him, "Our firefighters can have the training and understand what it is about and fight a fire and save lives".
"The men and women of the fire service are there to protect our neighbors and our friends when something bad happens. That is where it is worth it's weight in gold", said Halcovage.
Mosignor Bill Glosser blessed the building.
Eric Eichenberg had the honor to cut the ribbon and officially open the burning building.
After the dedication, those in attendance, were allowed to tour the building, while Chief Frank Zangari gave details on how the building worked and it's safety features.
Full video of today's dedication will be posted when it's available.
Reverend Fred Crawford, Chaplain for the Schuylkill County Firefighters Association, gave the Invocation.
Eric Eichenberg, of Minersville Fire & Rescue, gave a history of the burn building and the project.
James Misstishin, Pottsville Fire Chief, talked about the building's use for training.
"There's a lot to this building, we offer the building to law enforcement and EMS for training. This building is more than just a burn building", said Misstishin.
Tom Slate Sr., Chairman of the SF2DO Board, also gave remarks thanking those that contributed to the project.
Senator Dave Argall, Representatives Mike Tobash, Neal Goodman, and Jerry Knowles also offered remarks. Commissioners Frank Staudenmeier and Gary Hess, were also in attendance.
Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage spoke about the future of the building, "This is why we do this", Halcovage said while referring to the children standing next to him, "Our firefighters can have the training and understand what it is about and fight a fire and save lives".
"The men and women of the fire service are there to protect our neighbors and our friends when something bad happens. That is where it is worth it's weight in gold", said Halcovage.
Mosignor Bill Glosser blessed the building.
Eric Eichenberg had the honor to cut the ribbon and officially open the burning building.
After the dedication, those in attendance, were allowed to tour the building, while Chief Frank Zangari gave details on how the building worked and it's safety features.
Full video of today's dedication will be posted when it's available.
