Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet
The City of Clermont Fire Department hosted an open house at the new Public Training Center. Members on January 22nd, The training center, which is a partnership with the city’s police department, officially opened its doors for operation with a ribbon-cutting officiated by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce.
The training center, located at 400 12th Street, is also a remodel of the former public works facility that had previously occupied the property for decades. Existing buildings were retrofitted to accommodate the needs of not only training but also office space for the fire department’s inspection personnel. Much of the training center’s future structures will be funded by grants sought by the City of Clermont.
Plans include enlarging the center to accommodate additional training structures soon. “Today is an important chapter in the 20-year plan of this facility. The vision began under Retired Fire Chief Carle Bishop and continued with current Fire Chief David Ezell,” says Fire Department Division Chief Bryan Bull.
Chief Ezell states that the facility will reduce travel and overtime costs of first responder personnel. Prior to the opening of the training center in Clermont, firefighters would often have to travel to other locations outside the city for training opportunities. Much of the training center will be funded by grants sought by the City of Clermont.
“The facility will also be utilized for joint training with other agencies throughout the area. This training facility represents a major investment in first responder safety, preparedness, and community protection,” says Chief Ezell. Continual training is a must in today’s first responder safety, and for the safety of the public as well. A simple yet profound message printed on the ribbon-cutting welcome brochure sends a clear reminder of the importance of training: “let no one’s ghost return to say their training let them down.”
Some of the displays at the open house included fire suppression training exhibits, technical and heavy rescue, hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, EMS and medical training, and firefighter fitness training. The police department presented patrol and marine operations, and specialized tactical equipment- including the department’s DRONE operations.
Along with saving travel and overtime costs, Chief Ezell plans to improve firefighter readiness, increase hands-on, scenario-based training, ensure compliance with state and national standards, and provide realistic training in a controlled environment.
Clermont is one of the fastest growing cities in Central Florida, with its population nearly doubling in the last decade due to a combination of development and influx of new residents. “It is important for the city to provide quality training and service to the citizens of Clermont. Change is constant in the public safety field, and it is important that we keep up to date with those changes,” says Clermont Mayor Tim Murry. As an example of Clermont’s growth and constant changes in public safety, 17 brand new firefighter recruits were on hand to witness the historic and first-of-its-kind training facility in the City of Clermont.
Mission BBQ of Clermont, a long-time supporter of US military and first responder personnel, provided a catered meal for the guests in attendance.
The Clermont Fire Department, a CFAI-accredited and ISO Class 1-rated department, provides a variety of community services and programs for Clermont residents of all ages. Please visit www.ClermontFL.gov/fire.com for further information.
