Excelsior Springs Fire Department Announces Plans for New Training Facility

The Excelsior Springs Fire Department has announced an ambitious plan to construct a state-of-the-art training facility to enhance the skills and preparedness of its firefighters. The proposal was approved at the December 18, 2023, City Council meeting and outlines a comprehensive training ground designed to simulate a wide range of fire and rescue scenarios, marking a significant advancement in the department’s capabilities.

The department was approved for $200,000 in funding from Capital Improvements to build the facility on land behind the fire station. Fire Chief Joe Maddick said the department has never had a dedicated area for firefighting skills training. He said the facility will allow staff to gain skills and knowledge to help keep both firefighters and citizens safe. Maddick emphasized that having the training ground on the fire station property would allow them to ensure response times to emergencies remain unaffected during training sessions.

The proposed facility is set to include a variety of training props, such as a live fire building prop, vehicle extrication area, trash dumpster, and propane tank props. These installations will allow firefighters to practice tactics in live fire suppression, search and rescue, ventilation, aerial operations, and more. The versatility of the training field will enable the department to simulate a wide array of situations, from standard procedures to complex rescue operations.

The facility’s design utilizes Conex containers to create a structure resembling a residential building, with capabilities for rescue training, ventilation props, and ladder training. The proposal emphasized the necessity of such a facility to ensure firefighters stay current with their skills and maintain the community’s safety.

Beyond benefiting the fire department, the training facility is also envisioned as a resource for other city departments. It could provide close-quarters training for the police department, SCBA training for the water treatment department, and trench collapse training for the public works department. This multi-departmental approach optimizes resource use and fosters a collaborative environment for safety and emergency preparedness in Excelsior Springs.

The Excelsior Springs Fire Department’s proposed new training facility reflects a forward-thinking approach to emergency response preparedness. With this development, the department aims to elevate its capabilities and contribute to the broader safety and efficiency of the city’s emergency services. Chief Maddick extended the department’s gratitude to the Mayor, Council Members, and the community for their consideration and support in this initiative.