City of Kissimmee receives $500,000 from state for Safety Training Facility Annex

The City of Kissimmee received $500,000 in state funding on Tuesday for its Public Safety Training Facility Annex, a a 5,000 sq. ft. covered training space for an outdoor, authentic environment and specialized training facility. The Kissimmee Police Department, Kissimmee Fire Department, jurisdictional partners, and state entities all use the training facility. The funds were approved in a bill sponsored by Representative Kristen Arrington and Senator Victor Torres.

“Public Safety is a priority of mine and the City of Kissimmee. I am proud to bring state funding home to the district, which will assist with the construction of a specialized training facility for our first responders,” said Representative Kristen Arrington.

“We are elated to receive $500,000 to complete a state-of-the-art training facility. The annex will allow police officers and firefighters to continue their training to respond to critical aspects of their duties,” said Kissimmee Mayor Olga Gonzalez.

The City opened the Public Safety Training Facility in August 2020, a 27,460 square foot facility located at 1701 Jack Calhoun Drive, boasts a 20-lane firearms range, defensive tactics lab, 40-seat classroom, weapons cleaning area, and administrative offices for both police and fire personnel. The facility is also home to a five-story training/rappelling tower and burn building for the Kissimmee Fire Department.

The five-story tower and burn building/room allows firefighters to do live-fire training and conduct simulated searches for victims. The tower will enable KFD to practice technical rescue training such as high-angle rope rescue and confined space rescue. This facility also includes an elevator shaft prop and ventilation prop for firefighters to train on cutting holes in roofs.

“This project has been a priority for the City of Kissimmee for several years and will provide essential training services for our local police and firefighters. I am honored to be here today and for being a partner in securing the funds needed to help make this training center become a reality,” said Victor M. Torres, Jr. – Florida State Senator, District 15.

The Kissimmee Police Department, Kissimmee Fire Department, jurisdictional partners, and state entities use the training facility.

For more information about the City of Kissimmee, visit www.kissimmee.gov.