BETHLEHEM, NH – A groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of a multimillion-dollar project that will improve training facilities and programming for firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) providers in the North Country.
A mix of State government and public safety officials joined North Country first responders at the ceremony held Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at the Raymond S. Burton Fire and EMS Training Facility in Bethlehem. More than $6 Million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act has been designated for structural improvements at the site, which are intended to improve safety, accessibility, training quality and opportunities for firefighters and EMS providers.
“The amount of work, effort, and dedication leading up to today cannot be overstated,” said New Hampshire Department of Safety Assistant Commissioner Steve Lavoie. “We want to thank everyone who has supported this process – Governor Sununu and his team, the Executive Council, including Councilor Warmington and Councilor Kenney; legislative leadership, including members of the Fiscal Committee; the Department of Administrative Services’ Division of Public Works team; the New Hampshire fire service, and our dedicated team within the Department of Safety. Today would not have been possible without your collaborative efforts. We are grateful for your commitment and contributions.”
“Today marks a new era in our commitment to excellence in training,” said Director Justin Cutting of the Division of Fire Standards and Training & Emergency Medical Services. “This upgraded facility is not just a physical space; it will serve as a vital tool for firefighters to hone their skills, enhance their readiness, and ensure they are equipped to handle the toughest challenges with confidence and competence.”
A new heated garage will be constructed to securely house apparatus, equipment and training simulators to ensure effective and safe fire instruction. The garage will also feature a decontamination area with showers and an area where all contaminated personal protective clothing will be cleaned and stored. The decontamination area will also support cancer awareness and prevention, and aid in cancer risk reduction for firefighters exposed to carcinogens.
Additionally, a second classroom will be built within an unfinished space in the existing facility, allowing for increased usage and simultaneous scheduling of courses across multiple disciplines. A new training building will also be constructed to replace an existing one that no longer meets current training standards.
Funds will further be used to complete necessary upgrades to the existing electrical system, water and sewer, replacement of the HVAC system, as well as general site work necessary to support the proper environment for learning as well as for student health and safety. The project will also add wireless internet to the facility to accommodate modernized, evolving courses, underscoring the division’s commitment to facilitating cutting-edge, technology-driven educational initiatives.
The project will also expand service offerings provided by Safety’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), including improved access to Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing for drivers of firetrucks, school buses and other commercial vehicles.
It is anticipated the project will take approximately 18-24 months to complete.