Plans for a new training academy unveiled by the Saint John Fire Department at an open house.
The previous training tower was judged to be unsafe in 2008 and then torn down in 2011.
Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ News a new training facility, which would cost something like 750 thousand dollars, is essential for firefighters to maintain skills they may not use on a regular basis.
He also says it’s essential for firefighters in a city like Saint John where you have a concentration of heavy industry, a nuclear power plant nearby, among the oldest housing stock in the country and alot of vacant buildings that have become attractive targets for arson.
The Chief is hoping to have the new training tower ready to be used in the fall. One location being looked at is McIntosh Street off Boar’s Head Road. He would like to see it generate a bit of revenue with other fire departments training there.
