FTCC and Cumberland County NC Launch Swift Water Rescue Training Facility

Fayetteville, NC – In a significant development for emergency preparedness, Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), in collaboration with the Cumberland County Commissioners, inaugurated the East Coast’s first indoor Swift Water Rescue Training Facility. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on November 10, 2023, marks a major milestone in regional emergency response training.

Situated on Corporation Drive off Tom Starling Road, the state-of-the-art complex spans 30 acres, a generous contribution from the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. This collaboration extends further with a $10 million investment from the board, directed towards the Regional Fire & Rescue Training Center, now a part of the expansive training complex.

The ceremony was graced with remarks from Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Dr. Toni Stewart and Commissioner Jimmy Keefe, who both underscored the facility’s strategic importance. Chairwoman Stewart focused on the facility’s role in providing comprehensive, year-round training for first responders. “This facility is designed to equip our first responders with superior skills in a controlled environment, offering peace of mind to their families and ensuring the highest level of readiness,” she said. Stewart also emphasized the community’s benefit from having highly trained professionals for their safety.

Commissioner Keefe highlighted the facility’s broader impact on public safety training standards. “With this facility, we set a new benchmark for public safety training on the East Coast of the United States,” he stated, reflecting the facility’s potential influence beyond regional boundaries.

The FTCC Swift Water Rescue Training Facility represents a forward leap in emergency preparedness, particularly in water rescue operations. Its establishment underscores Cumberland County’s dedication to enhancing the capabilities and safety of its first responders, ultimately fostering a safer community.

Kres Thomas, FayToday News

email: kresthomas@faytoday.com