FINDLAY, Ohio — A project that began in 2018 is finally nearing completion for the Findlay Fire Department.
This week, crews began piecing together the new live fire training build for the new Simulated Tactical Response & Incident Command Training, or STRICT Center.
Many older fire training buildings are usually brick or concrete, but the latest practice is re-purposing steel shipping containers. Along with being more cost-effective, it makes the on-site construction an efficient process.
"They can completely build and fabricate these off-site. Then they disassemble, ship them here and assemble," said Findlay Fire Chief Josh Eberle They had a crane here yesterday, so they assemble them here on site."
Another training building was finished late last year, which will offer a modular simulated home that can be changed between training sessions.
The STRICT Center will be the future home of training for all fire departments in Hancock County and the hope is it can eventually be a regular host for departments across the region.
"We really do see this as an opportunity for regional development," said Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn. "[We] have already heard from some entities in the region, as well as the Ohio Fire Marshall's office, that they're interested in utilizing the facility."
The final cost for the facility was around $2.4 million. The city of Findlay funded just under half the price and the remainder was donated by the community and local businesses.
"The really unique thing about this and what I really want to stress is the amount of buy-in and participation we had for the local community because $2.4 million is a huge price tag," Eberle said.
Eberle said the final touches for both buildings should be wrapped up by the end of winter, with tentative plans of hosting a community open house at some point in the early spring.