Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Lockport Township Fire Protection District (LTFPD) has broken ground on a new training facility at 20115 Division St., adjacent to the Stateville Correctional Center. Construction is set to begin immediately with grading and groundwork on the 13-acre site.
The facility, being built by CORE Construction, will feature a four-story burn tower for live fire and emergency drills, classrooms, emergency vehicle maintenance bays, hazmat and car crash simulation areas, K-9 and drone search training, and a pond for water rescue exercises. It will also serve as a backup emergency operations center for the Will County Emergency Management Agency during natural disasters or other emergencies.
“Thank you to everyone who came out for our groundbreaking ceremony,” LTFPD wrote on Facebook. “This facility will provide our members with countless opportunities to strengthen their skills, develop new techniques, and continue advancing the high level of service our residents deserve.
“We’re excited for what’s ahead, and grateful for the continued support from our community, making progress like this possible.”
A planned gun range, intended for police training from Lockport, Romeoville, Crest Hill, and Lewis University, is currently on hold. The Lockport Police Department paused its funding for the range after costs increased to address noise concerns from nearby residents. The future of this component remains undecided; if it is not built, the area will remain green space and may be available for future development.
The new facility is expected to provide enhanced training opportunities for firefighters and emergency personnel across Lockport Township and surrounding communities, consolidating multiple specialized training functions into a single campus.
