Residents will be safer; firefighters will receive improved training due to City/County Vision and Partnership
 
On Friday, September 11th, officials, first responders and residents gathered to dedicate the new Anderson Fire Services Training Facility. The ceremony began with a moment of silence to remember those who fell on September 11th and all fire fighters, emergency responders and soldiers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Anderson County Fire Chief Billy Gibson and City of Anderson Fire Chief Jack Abraham lead the ceremony, which ended with a ceremonial “valve coupling” and a “first burn.” The new training facility is located at 845 Hillhouse Road in Anderson.
 
“This is a great partnership between the City of Anderson, our local fire departments, the Legislative Delegation and Anderson County,” said Anderson County Fire Chief Billy Gibson. “Our 800 volunteer firefighters deserve the best equipment and training that we can provide. Having this facility will help us train in a safer environment so that we will be prepared and ready for emergencies when they arise.”
 
“I am thrilled to see this facility completed,” said Anderson County Councilman Tommy Dunn. “September 11th is a day that each of us pause to reflect on our country, our patriotism and those who protect our freedom and our safety. 9-11 changed the face of firefighting; it made us more determined to train harder and be ready for any emergency situation that threatens the safety of our citizens. This new facility will help us meet that goal. I want to thank our firefighters and all our emergency responders for their dedication and sacrifices. I especially want to mention Bo Gilreath and his vision for this training facility. This is another great example of what can happen when we work together to accomplish a common goal.”
 
“This new addition to the Anderson County Fire Service Training Facility exemplifies government working together for the citizens of Anderson County. The City of Anderson owns the property; Anderson County provided financial support through their General Obligation bond; other agencies such as law enforcement, emergency preparedness, public works, private industry, and surrounding county fire departments are allowed to use the facility. When it comes time for all of these agencies to work together during an emergency, we can do it because we have worked and trained together on projects such as this new burn building.”