Published January 11. 2023 12:34PM
by LOU WHEELAND Special to The Press
The Allentown Fire Department held a ceremonial groundbreaking recently at the Mack South Side Fire Station, 1902 Lehigh St., Allentown.
The new structure will house the department’s fire training academy and the city’s first emergency operations center.
By expanding the fire academy, departments outside the city will have the opportunity to train in an up-to-date venue offering classrooms that will accommodate up to 100 individuals. The new building will also have five administrative offices and two fire academy offices and mixed storage for equipment.
The emergency operations center will offer real time information to an incident commander and include up-to-date weather information as well as quick support response and recovery operations during an emergency.
Funding was provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States government. Former Pennsylvania State Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th and Congresswoman Susan Wild, Pennsylvania District 7, both supported the funds of their respective government programs.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND Allentown Fire Department Chief Freddie Agosto stands next to an architectural drawing of the new Allentown Fire Academy and Emergency Operation Center floor plan during the Allentown Fire Department's ceremonial groundbreaking recently at the Mack South Side Fire Station, 1902 Lehigh St., Allentown.
Allentown Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Matt Eharth, training and safety, describes how the new fire academy will enhance training in the fire department as well as other departments throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk addresses visitors and dignitaries at the Allentown Fire Department ceremonial groundbreaking recently at the Mack South Side Fire Station, 1902 Lehigh St., Allentown.
Allentown Fire Chief Freddie Agosto thanked Congresswoman Susan Wild, Pennsylvania District 7 and Former State Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, for help bringing the new Allentown Fire Department Fire Academy and Emergency Operation Center to the Mack South Fire Station.
Congresswoman Susan Wild, Pennsylvania District 7, is instrumental in obtaining more than $450,000 for the Allentown Fire Department's new fire academy.
Former State Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, is instrumental in obtaining state funding for the new Allentown Fire Academy. He also thanked Reps. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd, and Peter Schweyer, D-22nd, for their support.
Fire officials and local politicians break ground at the Allentown Fire Department Fire Academy and Emergency Operation Center recently at the Mack South Fire Station. Throwing the dirt are: Allentown Council President Cynthia Mota, State Rep. Milou Mackenzie, R-131st, Allentown Fire Chief Freddie Agosto, Allentown Council members Ed Zucal and Daryl Hendricks, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd, Former State Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, Congresswoman Susan Wild, Pennsylvania District 7, State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-22nd, Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong, State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, and Lehigh County Sheriff Joe Hanna.
