The City of Red Deer is welcoming citizens to come out for the official opening of the Ed Howell Emergency Services Training Centre.
The family-friendly event runs on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., at the centre which is located at 4343 – 78 Street Crescent.
The event will include tours of the new tower, live demonstrations of vehicle extrications and rope rescues, an obstacle course, fire extinguisher training, and an opportunity to meet the Red Deer Emergency Services fleet, including the fire engine, ambulance, airboat and Command Unit.
Guests can also enjoy a free barbeque from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
According to a release, the facility offers training spaces for most scenarios firefighters may expect to encounter, including rappelling for high angle rescues, confined space rescues, hazmat training, and the ability to replicate various fire rescue scenarios including a single-family home with attached garage, basement suites, apartment, roof fires and commercial buildings.
“We are excited to celebrate the opening of our newly enhanced training facility with a community event,” said Acting Chief Chris Kearns in a press release.
“The new training tower will offer a wider range of training opportunities for Red Deer Emergency Services staff, as well as to other fire services and businesses that can rent the space to conduct their own training scenarios, as well.”