EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (October 13, 2025) , The Excelsior Springs Fire Department officially dedicated its new fire training facility Monday morning, honoring the man who made it possible, Assistant Fire Chief John Potter.
The ceremony, attended by city officials, firefighters, and community members, marked the culmination of four years of planning, determination, and teamwork. The new facility will provide firefighters with a safe, realistic environment to train for emergency scenarios, improving preparedness and safety throughout the community.
During the dedication, Fire Chief Joe Maddick delivered an emotional speech highlighting the journey from concept to completion.
“Today, we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in our city’s commitment to safety, excellence, and community service,” Maddick said. “Four short years ago, this ambition seemed like a distant dream, but through hard work, collaboration, and invaluable support, it has now become a reality.”
Maddick thanked City Manager Molly McGovern, the Excelsior Springs City Council, the Capital Improvements Committee, and the Planning and Public Works Department for their roles in approving and supporting the project. He also expressed appreciation to numerous local businesses and individuals who contributed time, equipment, and expertise to the construction process.
But the morning’s focus was squarely on Potter, whose vision and craftsmanship turned the project from a million-dollar dream into a homegrown achievement.
When Maddick first explored commercial options for a fire training tower, the estimated cost exceeded $1.5 million. The price seemed out of reach until Potter, recently transitioning from his role at the Excelsior Springs Area Career Center, was brought on as the department’s full-time training officer.
Maddick recalled showing Potter the professional blueprints and asking if he could replicate something similar. Ten days later, Potter returned with plans and an estimate of just $200,000, and the city’s Capital Improvements Committee approved funding soon after.
“What sets this project apart is not just the structure itself,” Maddick said. “It’s the incredible dedication and labor that John poured into it. He single-handedly constructed this facility, with only a few hands to help lift and hold components. Ninety-nine point nine-nine percent of this project is his work, a testament to his commitment and passion for the fire service.”
To honor that extraordinary effort, the new facility has been officially named the Assistant Chief John Potter Training Facility.
Maddick said the naming ensures that Potter’s legacy will continue every time a firefighter trains there.
“Every time this facility is utilized, we will remember his dedication, perseverance, and passion for equipping our firefighters with the tools they need to serve and protect our community,” he said.
Maddick also shared hopes that the new facility will serve as a regional training hub, attracting neighboring departments to use the site for their own exercises, a move that could help the department recoup construction costs and eventually generate revenue to reinvest in future training and safety initiatives.
The dedication concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, a tour of the facility, and a round of applause for Potter, whose work was met with heartfelt gratitude from his fellow firefighters.
The new training center, located behind the Excelsior Springs Fire Department, will be used for live fire simulations, rescue drills, and other hands-on training exercises, ensuring that local firefighters remain ready for whatever challenges they face.
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