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Dutchess County is set to enhance its firefighter training capabilities with the construction of a new fire training center in Hyde Park. The Dutchess County Legislature approved $700,000 for the project, which will replace an outdated burn building at the Emergency Response Campus on Creek Road. The existing structure has been out of service for over a year due to safety concerns.
The new facility will be a three-story modular building made from shipping containers, designed to offer realistic training scenarios. It will feature a rappelling tower, a self-contained breathing apparatus maze, movable wall partitions, and various props for training in confined spaces, forcible entry, and high-angle rope rescues. According to County Executive Sue Serino, the new center aims to provide firefighters with a safe and effective environment for live burn exercises, which are essential for preparing them to handle real-life emergencies.
The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026. In the meantime, local fire departments have been utilizing facilities at the East Fishkill and New Hackensack Fire Districts for training. County Emergency Response Commissioner Bill Beale emphasized the importance of the new center, stating, "This has been a priority of mine for quite some time, and I look forward to getting the project completed so training in a controlled environment can resume."
Legislature Chairman Will Truitt highlighted the modern approach of the new facility, calling it a "cost-effective solution" that will enhance the versatility of local fire departments in training for various operations. The Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response oversees training for over 2,000 firefighters in the county, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve the community.