New Training Center for Franklin Co Firefighters in the Works

Franklin County could soon have another fire training center.

At their work session Tuesday evening, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners heard from Red Hill Fire Chief Joe Green who is also the current president of the Firefighters Association in Franklin County.

There is already a firefighter training center in Lavonia but Greene said the new training center will be a state-of-the-art facility for firefighters in Carnesville on Hubbard Road, at the site of the previous training facility.

“It will enhance our ability to know more about industrial fires and the ability to train them. This will be a state-of-the-art facility. There will be many types of training there,” he said.

Greene invited the Board to visit a similar facility in the metro area so they can get an idea of what the one he’s proposing would look like.

Another advantage to the new training facility, Greene noted, is its ability to attract new volunteer firefighters.

“it will help us recruit new firefighters. Young people. We need some young people. We have one of the largest fire stations in the county but our average age is 50 years old. We need some young people. This will help us recruit young people. If we can get some sort of training at the high school from the vocational department, it’s right across the street,” he said.

Greene said each fire department has committed to using the new training center at least once a quarter.  Additionally, Greene said the new center will help lower the County’s ISO rating.

The total cost of the new firefighter training center, Greene said is $458,000.

County manager Derrick Turner said it will be paid for out of SPLOST funds and the county would pay for the concrete slab and footings.

If approved Greene said construction on the facility will take 8-12 months.

The Board took no action on approving the center Tuesday but is expected to vote on it at their regular meeting in November.