BETHLEHEM, N.H. (ABC22/FOX44) – A year and a half after breaking ground, fire and EMS crews in Northern New Hampshire have a new and improved place to train.
The Raymond S. Burton Fire and EMS training facility offers training to firefighters across the region, and will be even better able to do so now that the $6 million improvement project is complete.
The New Hampshire Department of Safety “cut the hose” on the new facility Monday.
Among the improvements are a new three-bay fire station, a decontamination area with showers, and a second classroom so that two training classes can be held at the same time.
Another part of the project is an area where the New Hampshire DMV can train firefighters to earn CDLs, including testing them locally in Bethlehem.
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“With the opening of the facility… the DMV will be able to provide a temporary CDL license the day that they test here and they pass,” said Melissa Reilly, Deputy Director of the NH DMV.
“Our residents and visitors expect us to be prepared for whatever they call us for,” said Gorham Fire Chief Phillip Cloutier. “… We also have seen the ability for classes held here to allow for the growth of our instructor pool here in the North Country… all departments will benefit from this.”
The project was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act passed during the COVID-19 pandemic.