A new $3 million fire training tower at the Chattanooga Fire and Police Training Center at 3200 Amnicola Highway should be complete this fall.
The city and county are jointly funding a replacement to the original 50-year-old structure, which was built in 1976. Demolition began Oct. 30, and construction materials will arrive at the end of April. The old six-story structure far exceeded its lifetime, the department has said.
"The tower was designed with input and help from our command staff and training officials, who will be using it to further firefighters' skills," Lindsey Rogers, spokesperson for the Chattanooga Fire Department, said in an email. "Creating the most realistic training scenarios provides the best preparation for real challenges and obstacles that can arise on any fire or emergency scene."
Rogers said other fire departments around region will make use of the new tower. The Chattanooga Fire Department will use it year-round for skill-based training for fire cadets and current firefighters. The department conducts live fire drills at the tower, ladder drills, aerial training, physical fitness and rope training for urban search and rescue operations.
Hamilton County's half of the funding will come from a pool of $71.4 million in federal relief dollars it received during the pandemic.
(READ MORE: Chattanooga will spend $4.3 million to replace decades-old fire station)
"It is an extremely important regional training facility that prepares firefighters for the tough job they face as they serve and protect the community," the Chattanooga Fire Department said in a 2022 news release. "Replacing and rebuilding the drill tower is an immediate need for Chattanooga and Hamilton County."
Long-term plans involve revamping the entire training center with state-of-the-art classrooms and office space, the department said. The existing building is too small for Fire and Police Department operations and staff.
Contact David Floyd at dfloyd@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249.