RIBBON CUT ON NEW REGIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING CENTER IN EMMETSBURG

The ribbon was cut and the new Regional Emergency Response Training Center at the Emmetsburg campus of Iowa Lakes Community College was officially dedicated Saturday afternoon.

The Regional Emergency Response Training Center was built thanks to two grants from the state of Iowa – in 2006 and 2007. The facility will be used by area firefighters and paramedics as a training facility which simulates the risks emergency personnel face (such as law enforcement, medical responders and fire fighters) face in a fire. 

Speaking at the ribbon cutting were Senator Jack Kibbie; and Representative Marcie Frevert who helped secure the grant. In addition, Randy Novak, Bureau Chief, Fire Service Training Bureau; and Jim Kenkel of the State Fire Marshal’s office were on hand.  Joining them were Lynn Kueck, representing the Board of Trustees of the college; Dr. Harold Prior, president of Iowa Lakes; Tom Brotherton, dean of the Emmetsburg campus; and Steve Dobbins, programmer of Fire and EMS training. 

Some of the features of the building include: a three-story tower for first responders to practice rappelling and life saving skills from a rooftop; a residential section with a varied pitch roof and the ability to practice attic ventilation during a fire. The ground floor features a single story unit that houses a larger burn room.  The second story features a small burn room and movable walls so first responders may change the configuration of the facility and staircases that will help enhance fire fighters hose work skills and help First Responders hone lifesaving skills. 

This is one of only 11 centers in the state, with the Emmetsburg location the only one in northwest Iowa.  Also receiving funding through these grants was Northwest Iowa Community College which works cooperatively with Iowa Lakes with a training trailer they purchased with their portion of the funding.

Construction began last summer and included an upgrade to the building that extends the life of the facility.  Christensen Construction of Estherville was the low bidder.  The facility is located on the northwest portion of the Emmetsburg Campus in what was formerly a bean field.

Tours for the public and area emergency personnel were held through the late afternoon. 

The event was held in conjunction with the 16th Annual Iowa Lakes Regional Fire School and EMS conference at the Emmetsburg campus. Some 200 fire and EMT personals are attending two days of training Saturday and Sunday to qualify for the continuing education credits.  It is hosted by Iowa Lakes in conjunction with five area fire departments and the Palo Alto County Health Systems ambulance team. 

Pictured at the ribbon cutting, from left: Tom Brotherton, Executive Dean, Emmetsburg; Trustee Susan Zulk; State Representative Dolores Mertz; College President Harold Prior; State Senator “Jack” Kibbie; Board of Trustees Member Lynn Kueck; State Representative Marcie Frevert; Randy Novak, Chief, Fire Service Training Bureau, Ames; Jim Kenkel, State Fire Marshal’s Office; Trustee President John Hand; Steve Dobbins, Programmer.