Full Notification

CITY OF MERIDIAN
MEDIA ADVISORY: Thursday, October 8, 2020
CONTACT: Stephany Galbreaith, Public Information Officer, [email protected]
 

 
When: Wednesday, October 14, at 11:00AM-11:30AM
 
Where: Future Site of Meridian’s Scenario Training Center (1327 E. Watertower St., Meridian, Idaho 83642)
 
Who: Mayor Robert Simison, Meridian Police Chief Jeff A. Lavey, Meridian Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer, as well as others involved in the construction of Meridian’s Scenario Training Center.
 
For the first time, Meridian is breaking ground on a Scenario Training Center for Meridian’s first responders. This $3.5M training center will be a two-story building totaling 11,698 square feet. Projected to be complete in summer 2021, the facility will feature an indoor scenario village with multi-functional learning spaces. The faux streetscape includes buildings that accurately resemble residential living spaces and several commercial-style storefronts, equipped with real lights, providing first responders both variety and realism when training for scenarios. The interiors of all of the buildings can be reconfigured for any police, fire or medical emergency scenario.
 
“This state-of-the-art Scenario Village is going to better prepare our first responders for many years to come” said Meridian Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer. “Our calls for service are rising and becoming more complex as our community continues to grow. The ability to train on these complexities is paramount to our success”.
 
Meridian’s Scenario Training Center will be a combined facility for Meridian Police and Fire Departments, while also being used by local law enforcement and first responders from neighboring communities. First responders throughout the area often cross borders to work side by side. The new facility will offer multiagency training, enhancing and improving collaboration efforts. 
 
First responders will be able to prepare and practice for dangers they might encounter in the community and instructors will be able to evaluate their ability to apply what they have learned in stress-inducing, realistic situations. Trainings will include non-escalation, de-escalation, advanced extrication, search and rescue, proper use of force, and coordinated responses for police and fire. These trainings are continuously updated to ensure accuracy and relevance to today's issues and are taught through classroom instruction and scenario based training.
 
“With the current climate we are living in, this training center is a testament to our citizens’ and elected officials’ continued support for Law Enforcement,” said Meridian Police Chief Jeff A. Lavey. “It is also a testament to our commitment to the community to sustain our premier standards of service for the citizens of Meridian, as we continue to uphold our oath and honor of the badge.”
 
Design of the project was completed by CSHQA Incorporated with construction management services provided by Kreizenbeck. A Kreizenbeck spokesperson said they are thrilled to collaborate with the City of Meridian on this new building. The building will be designed to match the existing campus. It will be a practical space, with ability to hold multiple trainings simultaneously. Representatives from the company will also be at the groundbreaking ceremony.
 
“Our businesses and residents deserve peace of mind knowing that when our first responders arrive on scene they are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and training to address their situation,” said Mayor Robert Simison. “This new facility will enhance training for Meridian’s first responders to serve the community and make it home safely to their families.”
 
Due to COVID-19 face coverings are required. The groundbreaking ceremony will also be live streamed on the City’s Facebook Page. Media interested in attending this event are asked to coordinate with Public Safety PIO, Stephany Galbreaith.