Mayor O’Connell and Fire Chief Lavigne Celebrate Unveiling of Fire Training Building at New Taunton

Taunton, MA - The City of Taunton unveiled a Fire Training Building at the new Taunton Public Safety Facility, a milestone achievement that fulfills a decades-long vision for firefighter training in the region. Mayor Shaunna O'Connell and Fire Chief Steven Lavigne were joined by retired Fire Chief Tim Bradshaw, members of the Taunton Fire Department, local elected officials, and City employees Tuesday morning to celebrate the unveiling.

O'Connell emphasized the importance of investing in first responders: "This new Fire Training Building is more than just a building - it is a commitment to the safety of our residents and the preparedness of our firefighters. The training that will take place in this building will save lives and protect the men and women who selflessly serve our community. We are grateful to retired Chief Tim Bradshaw for his tireless advocacy for this project and Fire Chief Lavigne for his leadership as we bring it to life."

The three-story Fire Training Building is designed to provide firefighters with hands-on, real-world training opportunities in a safe and controlled environment. The facility features three smoke rooms, roof training access, hidden rooms, and other specialized areas that allow firefighters to practice an array of skills that directly translate to emergency response.

Firefighters will be able to conduct training in Ladder Company operations, Engine Company operations, ground and aerial ladders, hoseline placement, roof operations (including cutting ventilation holes), live fire training, search and rescue, chimney fires, forcible entry, rappelling, bail-out training, standpipe operations, and firefighter evacuation drills.

Chief Lavigne sees the training building as a vital step forward for his department and the broader firefighting community: "Every drill, every exercise, every scenario that takes place here will enhance our ability to respond effectively and safely to emergencies. It's not just about practice - it's about preparation for real incidents that demand quick thinking, precision, and teamwork. I am grateful to Mayor O'Connell and her administration for recognizing the critical need for this resource."

The Fire Training Building was not part of the original Public Safety Facility plans. However, after hearing from former Fire Chief Tim Bradshaw about the pressing need for a training facility, Mayor O'Connell made it a priority to include it in the project. Chief Bradshaw championed the importance of a training center that could serve not only Taunton but also neighboring communities across Southeastern Massachusetts.

The Taunton Public Safety Facility continues to move toward completion. The overall project remains under budget and is expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of the year. Once fully operational, the long-awaited public safety facility will house Taunton Fire Department headquarters, Taunton Police Department, and Taunton Emergency Management in a facility carefully and thoughtfully designed for public safety personnel, ensuring that Taunton remains at the forefront of emergency preparedness and response.

The unveiling of the Fire Training Building underscores Taunton's leadership in public safety innovation and reflects the City's ongoing investment in the health, safety, and resilience of its residents and first responders.###