By Don Steen
Staff Writer n reporter@psci.net
Local leaders and emergency responders officially cut the ribbon on the new Spencer County Regional Fire Training Center in Chrisney Saturday afternoon. The training center has already been in service for some time, a fact testified to by telltale scorch marks in places and the smell of smoke. Still, the building remains a striking monument to Spencer County’s importance to this region’s fire training regimen. Already, fire departments from across southern Indiana have come here to hone their skills.
The event began with a prayer from Brother Benjamin Brown of St. Meinrad Archabbey and that community’s fire brigade. He expressed hope that all who come to Chrisney’s new training center remain safe in their vocation. After all, fighting fires is never easy or entirely predictable.
“Fire sometimes seems to have a mind of its own,” said Brown. “May all who use this facility be able to return home safely.”
John Shafer, director of Indiana Fire and Public Safety Training, paid a visit all the way from Indianapolis. He lauded the efforts of Commissioner Heather Gries and other local officials in pushing for Chrisney to host one of the state’s new regional training centers. Competition was fierce among regional towns to host such a site, with more than 50 competing with Spencer County alone. Shafer said Spencer County’s elected officials and dedicated emergency responders took this project, “beyond talking points and into reality. This is what government should be doing.”
Gries offered many thanks during her speech for the dedication. She recognized the efforts of Joel Thacker, formerly executive director of Homeland Security for introducing the concept of a hub-and-spoke firefighter training model. Chrisney’s facility is now one such critical hub, ensuring rural fire departments in the area need not travel far for training.
Chrisney Fire Chief Jim Perkins also received lauds for his department’s efforts to operate and maintain the center and the grounds. Gries also thanked Mark Lautner with the Spencer County Emergency Management Agency for his role in guiding the construction process from concept to reality.
“While this facility opened months ago and has already been put to good use, today gives us the opportunity to pause and officially dedicate the Chrisney Fire Training Center/Spencer County Regional Fire Training Center to the men and women who serve and protect our community every day,” said Gries. “This is more than a building. It is a commitment to public safety, to preparation, and to the people who answer the call when it matters most.”
Featured Image: Pictured in front from left are: Indiana Fire and Public Safety Training Director John Shafer, Mark Lautner of EMA, Luce Firefighter Jacob Lauer, Santa Claus Fire Chief Max Meyer, Santa Claus Firefighter BJ Stallman, EMA Director Stephanie Melton, Brother Ambrose Brahm of St. Meinrad, Brother Benjamin Brown of St. Meinrad, and Commissioner Heather Gries. In back are Chrisney Town Councilmen Mason Seay and Greg Deller, and Surveyor and Luce Firefighter Tyler Daming.
– Photo by Don Steen
