Fairfax, VA 22030 

On April 22, 2006 the City of Fairfax dedicated a unique venture in its new Public Safety Training Center to be named in honor and memory of a former City of Fairfax and Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department Chief. The Public Safety Training Center will bring together the efforts of the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department as well as the City of Fairfax Fire and Police Departments in a state-of-the-art training center.

The facility which Is located on Colonial Avenue off of Pickett Road is situated on approximately 1.5 acres and is part of the Citgo Tank Farm Property. The facility includes an environmentally friendly propane-fed burn building to conduct live exercises and a high bay building to conduct training during all weather conditions. The center’s design allows for two classes to be simultaneously conducted. The facility is used to train volunteer and career staff, police officers, as well as tank farm employees and other City staff.

In 2005, the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department approved funding of $400,000 to assist in initial construction and the city council authorized a Capitol Improvements Plan for additional structures and infrastructures for a potential of $1 million.

In 2007 the apparatus and classroom building was constructed and was completed in 2008. This facility provides a 4200 square foot area for storage and indoor training area. The classroom and locker area will allow for on-site activities for all city agencies to train.

“Through this cooperative effort the City of Fairfax is able to continue to provide excellent fire, EMS, police, and public training for its members and the public in a state-of-the-art facility. This is a great example of what can be done when public and private partnerships are formed" stated former Fire Chief Dave Rohr.”

Future plans include a propane fueled automobile simulator, a single family dwelling to train for trapped or lost firefighters, and a loading rack simulator.