Support Needed for Alabama Fire College EMS & Testing Facility Expansion

Dear Alabama Fire Service Constituent,

The Alabama Fire College has long benefited from strong support across the fire and emergency services community in Alabama. By nearly every measure, our institution is experiencing significant growth and success:

1. Rising Student Enrollment, Course Offerings, and Test Administrations: Increased demand is placing a heavy strain on our existing resources.
2. More Certifications Issued: A growing number of certifications highlights our essential role in maintaining a highly skilled public safety workforce.
3. Expanding Out-of-State Student Presence: The Alabama Fire College’s reputation continues to attract students from beyond state lines.
4. Growth in Distance Learning EMS Courses: The demand for remote learning underscores the need for modern technology and infrastructure.
5. Increasing EMS Student Enrollment: EMS training remains a core component of our mission, requiring expanded facilities to accommodate student growth.

However, with this success come significant challenges:

1. Inadequate EMS Lab Space: Limited lab facilities restrict essential hands-on training opportunities.
2. Classroom Space Constraints: Overcrowding impacts instructional effectiveness and the overall learning environment.
3. Lack of Office Space: Staff members are forced to share workspaces and even co-locate in classrooms.
4. Insufficient Storage for EMS Supplies: A lack of secure and proper storage leads to inefficiencies and potential equipment damage.
5. No Private Medical Treatment Space: The absence of a designated area compromises privacy and dignity for those in need of medical attention.
6. No Dedicated Certification Testing Facility: The current setup hinders the smooth administration of critical exams.

To address these urgent needs, we are seeking funding to construct a new EMS and Testing Facility, estimated at $18 million. To responsibly share costs and minimize the burden on state taxpayers, we propose the following funding structure:

1. State Contribution: $10M (55%)
2. Federal Assistance: $5M (28%)
3. Alabama Fire College Investment: $3M (17%)

A group of 20 fire chiefs and Alabama Fire College staff went to Washington DC this week to solicit assistance for this project from our federal officials. If federal funding does not materialize, we will request $15M from the state for the cost of construction and the Alabama Fire College will provide funding for architectural fees, permitting fees, utility infrastructure, site prep, building furnishings and equipment, technology, and security systems, testing and inspection costs, and contingency costs. 

To support this effort, we have included three important documents:

1. Alabama Fire College Growth & Impact Report – Detailing our expanding reach in Alabama’s fire service, Department of Defense training, and out-of-state student programs.
2. Proposed EMS & Testing Facility Plan – Outlining the construction project and funding proposal.
3. Support Letter Template – A pre-drafted letter for state elected officials. Simply insert their name in the greeting and your name/contact information in the signature. If you prefer to write your own letter, feel free to use the included bullet points.

Contact Your Legislators:

1. Alabama Senate Members
2. Alabama House of Representatives Members

Your support is crucial in securing this funding. Please reach out to your elected officials and encourage them to advocate for this essential project.

Thank you for your dedication to Alabama’s fire service.

Matt Russell, Executive Director