A ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new firefighter training facility at Vermont Technical College was held Tuesday. Sen. Bernie Sanders called the facility “a major step forward in assuring high-quality training for firefighters across the state.” The senator secured nearly $407,000 in federal funding for the project. “This facility will give firefighters the opportunity to learn and practice scenarios they will likely see when responding to live emergency situations,” Sanders said.

The building will also be an asset to the Fire Science Degree Program at Vermont Tech, which is now entering its third year. It is Vermont’s only Fire Science program.

“Firefighters always want to hone their skills, and new fire fighters need specialized training to learn their critical trade,” Sanders said. “And Vermont’s 5,600 volunteer firefighters 300 career firefighters need and deserve more help, especially in the areas of training and education. We owe them all a very deep debt of gratitude as they make personal and financial sacrifices to keep our communities safe.”

At the groundbreaking last October, Matthew Vinci, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont, said, “This much-needed training facility is largely due to the coordination and support at the local, state and federal level.  The fire service across Vermont is very grateful for the efforts of Senator Sanders, Governor Douglas and the Vermont Legislature for their combined efforts to bring this Fire Burn Training Building to reality.  Vermont’s firefighters will be better prepared to respond to our neighbors’ emergencies due to the training that we will receive at this facility.”