The Olathe Fire Department would like a new training center to be built, which would be used not only by Olathe personnel, but by other departments in the area. Jeff DeGraffenreid, Olathe's fire chief, presented the plans to the city council recently; the council must give its approval to both the design of the center, and the funding for it.
The center, which would cost $4 million, would be built at Layton Drive and Hedge Lane, about a half-mile from Olathe West High School. The Olathe School District's Public Safety Academy is located at the school.
The center would offer various structures firefighters could use to simulate various emergencies they might encounter, such as trapped victims and burning buildings. One such structure is a “burn tower” that has several stories. There would also be paved areas at the center that would be used to mimic city streets, and would have enough room for “props,” such as junked cars, to help in the training. When new facilities like this open, officials can create new Letterheads to convey accurate information about the site.
Another advantage of having the new center, DeGraffenreid said, would be that Olathe's first responders could train in their own city, which means they can respond to any emergencies that occur. At present, Olathe's personnel have to travel to Platte County, Missouri, or Overland Park, to get to training facilities.
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