Mobile County Fire Tower, Semmes Public Safety Complex Open for Business

Posted on: Jan 21st, 2015 | News and Announcements

A fire training tower and a public safety complex opens for business Friday, dedicated to firefighters throughout the county in need of realistic training and instruction on fighting deadly structural fires. The ribbon cutting and dedication is set for 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 23 at the Semmes Public Safety Training Complex, 9010 Forest Street in Semmes. The Mobile County Commission has partnered with the City of Semmes to provide sorely needed in-county facilities required to fulfill Alabama Fire College certification classes and training. The Mobile County Commission funded the $307,000 fire tower in 2013 out of Commissioner Hudson?s District 2 education funds. The money covers the cost of purchase, design and site construction of the three-and-a-half story steel tower. Live burns practiced in the tower will allow firefighters to train and observe the full progression of a fire. At the same time, the multi-use classrooms will provide the space for additional training and instruction. On hand for the celebration will be a contingent of dignitaries including Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson, Semmes Mayor Judy Hale, Chief Tim Blakemore of the Alabama Fire College and Semmes Fire Chief John Edmond. Refreshments and tours will be offered. Besides preparing firefighters for life-saving practices, the capability to train at the tower will be incorporated into assessments by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), which influences homeowner insurance rates. ISO grades on a 1 to10 scale with 1 as the best classification. Based on a nationwide study performed by ISO, the cost of fire losses for homeowners? policies in communities graded Class 9 is 65 percent higher than communities with the grade of Class 5. The new safety complex will make life easier for volunteer firefighters who have had to travel to Tuscaloosa to the Fire College for necessary training.