Public Safety Academy on Schedule to Open in November

Mayor Graham Richard and Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana Director Brent Johnson today were joined by first responders, area educators and government officials to view the progress being made at the Public Safety Academy at Southtown Centre.

The first-of-its-kind facility is on schedule to open in November. The $27 million academy will provide police, fire, emergency medical services, and homeland security training and education for professionals and students from Northeast Indiana and across the Midwest.

Local education partners, Ivy Tech, IPFW, Indiana Tech, Taylor University, the University of St. Francis, Tri-State University, and Fort Wayne Community Schools (Anthis Career Center), have committed to leasing space at the academy. The educational institutions will use classroom space at the academy to teach and train students to become public safety professionals. An academic and professional training coordinator has been hired to develop training programming for professionals and students.

“Homeland security is hometown security. That's why it's so critical to be a leader in developing public safety programs to protect local communities,” said Mayor Richard. “We must have high trust, high performance partnerships to protect residents and businesses in emergencies. We are committed to providing excellent services to be a safe community.”

Hagerman Construction is the general contractor for the project. The project is financed through a City Council approved bond. Additional funding comes from the Indiana General Assembly through Ivy Tech. Property taxes are not being used to finance the academy.