KISSIMMEE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
Osceola County's School District, and the county itself, are requesting $11 million in state money to build a facility to train firefighters.
Firefighters are currently trained at the school district's technology center, called TECO. We found classes in portables with a door literally tied shut, because it was broken. Osceola District Assistant Superintendent Tom Phelps says they cannot even complete training for potential firefighters at the current facility.
"Right now, for [firefighters] we offer EMT and Fire 1 training. They have to go to Orange County to receive the remainder of that training," said Phelps.
The state funding would be used to create a new facility that Phelps says would be able to house all of their public safety training needs.
"This proposal would add a 3-story building which would house both criminal justice and fire and rescue for classroom space. We would also be adding a training tower, a 6 story training tower, as well as burn building and a mock fire station."
The county has made it their top legislative priority for the session underway in Tallahassee. They want to train firefighters that currently have to go to Orange on that site. Kissimmee fire would use the complex as well if they can get the funding.
