York County regional training center a dream come true for first responders

York County Fire Administrator Roger Hooper recalled in the 1970s, when he was a junior firefighter, hearing some of the “old timers” talk about a need for an area training center for first responders.

Hooper told this story to the many public safety professionals and local, state, federal and county officials that were in attendance on Friday at the grand opening ceremony for the York County Regional Training Center, 79 First County Way, Alfred.

“I hope everybody in the county is proud of this training center because it will eventually save lives,” said County Commissioner Richard Dutremble.

The York County Regional Training Center opened in December and offered its first class on Jan. 3. Training for area firefighters, emergency medical technicians, police officers and dispatchers is conducted at the state-of-the-art facility through a partnership with the county government and York County Community College.

“The vision to build this facility will be transformative for the residents of York County for generations to come,” said York County Community College President Michael Fischer.

Hooper said the regional training center is a dream of a lifetime. He said in the first 100 days of operation, the center has averaged 15 students a day. Classes will be available for first responders in all stages of their career – from “recruitment to retirement,” said Hooper.

“This facility we’re in today is the largest single investment in first responders in Maine ever,” said Hooper.

The bulk of the money for the $24 million building came from federal ARPA funds distributed to the county. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, R, helped secure an additional $3.4 million toward the facility.

“I applaud the leaders of York County who had the vision to bring this about. And I thank York County Community College for working together to bring this outstanding project to fruition,” said Collins at Friday’s event.

Collins praised the “recruitment to retirement” mission of the training center. As the challenges that first responders face grow more complex, it is crucial that they have access to ongoing training and education needed to do their job and meet licensing requirements, she said.

“This facility creates a centralized, modern space where our public safety professionals can train together, learn together, and prepare together,” said York County Manager Greg Zinser. “It strengthens our ability to recruit, to develop talent, and to retain the highly skilled individuals that our communities depend on. It also allows us to build consistency in training and operations across jurisdictions – something that benefits every town and every resident in York County.”

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.