The Conway fire and police departments are working together to build a training facility they'll both be able to use. The new joint training center in Conway will be used by both departments for training, to house equipment and host classes.
"It’s something that’s been needed for a long time," said Assistant Fire Chief Todd Cardin, Conway Fire Department.
The CFD had a 100 x 50 foot facility built last year.
"We're going to add another 80 feet onto that," said Officer Thomas Knopp, Conway Police Department.
Now a mirror image of the existing building will be built, thanks to the CPD. A larger shared classroom will fit 50 to 60 people and a more secure gate will also be added.
“We can store our equipment, they will store some SWAT equipment, all of our special ops will be down in that building," Cardin said.
Because of the partnership, the project that was originally expected to take three or four years because of funding is now expected to be complete in June.
“About a month ago we were informed that the police had some money they were going to be able to use for this, so it sped the process up," Cardin said.
CFD contributed $84,000 out of its general budget last year and another $32,000 this year. CPD will contribute $72,000 out of its asset forfeiture funds.
“I think it’s just going to be a good thing for Conway in general," Knopp said.
Located by the firing range and fire tower, the facility will keep training all in one place for both departments.