Work Begins On Building New Muskogee First Responder Training Center

Construction work has began on a new Multi-Agency Muskogee First Responder Training Center, but it won't just serve Muskogee firefighters and police. 

Officials broke ground Friday morning. 

The training center at 1400 South "B" Street will give about 650 firefighters, police, sheriff deputies and first responders a place to train. Currently they are training in old facilities that don't have the tools they need. 

The new multi-level center will allow different agencies from across eastern Oklahoma to train together and be better prepared for natural disasters or acts of terrorism. The training sessions involve everything from SWAT teams, CLEET to Haz-Mat and even live fire situations. 

Officials say nearly $2-million from a Muskogee capital improvements tax is helping pay for the facility.

"They're tickled to death. They were very instrumental in the design of out multi-use building," said Derek Tatum, Muskogee Fire Chief. 

Tatum hopes construction will be finished later this year.