Press release from Ivy Tech Community College

(Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg) – A state-of-the-art fire training complex was dedicated this afternoon (Tuesday, September 28, 2010) at the Ivy Tech Community College Southeast Lakefront Campus, 500 Industrial Drive, Lawrenceburg.  The $1,117,357 facility was funded by the City of Lawrenceburg.

Ivy Tech Community College Southeast Chancellor Jim Helms wields scissors cutting a ribbon that officially dedicated a new $1.1 million fire training center at Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg’s Lakefront Campus, 500 Industrial Drive.  Assisting in the ribbon-cutting, to Helm’s right, are Lawrenceburg Assistant Fire Chief Johnny Tremain, Joan Boyer, Ivy Tech Director of Donor Relations representing College President Thomas J. Snyder, Lawrenceburg Fire Chief Randy Abner, and Lawrenceburg Mayor Bill Cunningham. provided

Ivy Tech Community College Southeast Chancellor Jim Helms served as host for the dedication and ribbon-cutting.  Helms lauded Lawrenceburg Mayor Bill Cunningham, the city council, and the entire community for continued support of the College.  Lawrenceburg has provided Ivy Tech’s newer Riverfront Campus, 50 Walnut Street, and partnered with the State of Indiana, the College and the community in helping make the 500 Industrial Drive building a reality.

Cunningham recognized area firemen and the Hollywood Casino as instrumental in this latest partnership with Ivy Tech.  Cunningham exclaimed the $1.1+ million dollar expenditure was more than worth the cost if but one life is saved by fire training.  The Mayor also voiced appreciation to Ivy Tech for providing the property and the training.

Lawrenceburg Fire Chief Randy Abner told those in attendance fire fighter training will benefit area fire departments as well as the people of southeastern Indiana.

Assistance Lawrenceburg Fire Chief Johnny Tremain termed the facility, “awesome,” and thanked the City of Lawrenceburg, the Board of Public Works, City Council and Ivy Tech Community College for providing the complex and training.  In the past “we have asked fire fighters to put themselves in harm’s way without the benefit of real life training,” Tremain said.  He added safety is the foundation of fire fighting and indicated the facility provides the tools necessary to better prepare fire fighters to perform.

Joan Boyer, Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Director of Donor Relations, represented College President Thomas J. Snyder.  Boyer pointed to the relationship between the College and the City of Lawrenceburg as “special.”  Noting Ivy Tech Community College changes lives, Boyer said the Fire Training Tower and related equipment will change the lives of the fire fighters being trained and that those struck by the tragedy of fire will also benefit from the training.

Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce Director Mike Rozow, who presided over a ribbon-cutting, told fire fighters in the dedication audience, “Thank you for what you do for our community.”

The ceremony was followed by tours of the fire training building and demonstrations of the training fire fighters receive.  The complex includes a three-story burn tower, a flashover simulator, roof practice areas, propane training capability and an automobile fire simulator.

With over 150,000 students enrolled annually, Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly-accredited statewide community college system.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana.  Ivy Tech southeast serves Dearborn, Ripley, Ohio, Switzerland and Jefferson Counties as well as bordering areas in northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. 

The College serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the local community needs along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana.  Ivy Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.