Community invited to new fire training centre opening, free barbeque

Red Deer residents and visitors are invited to join Red Deer Emergency Services for the official opening of the new Ed Howell Emergency Services Training Centre this Saturday.

The family-friendly celebration will run Saturday, May 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new Ed Howell Emergency Services Training Centre, located at 4343 – 78 Street Crescent, Red Deer.

City officials say the free, family-friendly 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.

“We are excited to celebrate the opening of our newly enhanced training facility with a community event,” said Acting Chief Chris Kearns. “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.”