Macomb Community College receives state funding to improve firefighter training program

Macomb Community College has received $2 million from the State of Michigan to make enhancements at the school’s Public Service Institute to improve the firefighter training program facilities. To celebrate securing the funds, Rep. Denise Mentzer of the Michigan House of Representatives and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel rappelled down the live burn tower on campus on October 23.

According to an article on Macomb Community College’s website, Hackel was quoted as saying, "I was thrilled to join Rep. Mentzer in rappelling down the live burn tower, showcasing the critical work being done to train our future firefighters effectively. This investment championed by her is a testament to the strong partnerships built between the college, Macomb County and the state of Michigan. This new facility will equip our brave men and women with hands-on, state-of-the-art training as well as the necessary skills and tools they need to keep our communities safe."

The new building that will be built thanks to the funding secured by Rep. Mentzer will be modeled after local fire departments and will house the program’s firefighting equipment, aerial ladder truck, and fire engine in order to serve as a live example of what students can expect when they enter their career. The building should be completed and ready for use by the end of 2025.

Rep. Mentzer said, "I am proud to have brought home $2 million for Macomb Community College’s Public Safety Institute in this year’s annual state budget. This vital program trains the police officers, firefighters and EMS workers of tomorrow, ensuring they are ready to best serve our community. These essential workers are invaluable, and I thank them for their service to our community. You can count on me to continue to fight for investments that keep Michiganders safe, whether it’s Selfridge Air National Guard base or supporting our public safety workers — public safety is an absolute top priority of mine.”

Macomb Community College’s Public Service Institute trains public service and first responders, such as firefighters and emergency medical professionals, in a facility on the campus that first opened in 1996. The facility features the region’s only five story live burn tower, which simulates fire emergencies and lets future firefighters get real-life experience before their first real emergency call. The last time the Public Service Institute received any type of renovations was in 2003 when it was expanded to accommodate more classrooms and a firearms range for police training.

In addition to the new firefighter building being built in the next year, Macomb Community College is planning about $9 million in additional renovations and enhancements to the Public Service Institute, including adding more classroom learning spaces, a new firearms range, a place to house an ambulance simulator, and upgrading the live burn tower.

Speaking of the type of training that is done at the Public Service Institute and why it is necessary to keep making enhancements, James O. Sawyer IV, Macomb Community College’s president, was quoted as saying, “We take seriously the trust placed in us to train and support our community’s first responders. Each of us count on our police, fire and EMS professionals to be there for us when we need them, backed by the very best training, to protect our safety and our health.” 

For more information about Macomb Community College, visit the school’s website.