Buffalo and Erie County Leaders Dedicate New Live Burn Tower

April 7, 2009

Erie County Executive Chris Collins, along with Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Skibitsky, Buffalo Fire Commissioner Mike Lombardo and Chief Fire Chaplain Father Joseph Bayne dedicated the new Live Burn Building in Cheektowaga. The new facility uses the latest construction technology, and offers a safe and realistic training environment.

The facility will be used to train an average of 3,000 to 4,000 firefighters each year from our county's 94 volunteer fire companies, and the City of Buffalo Fire Department. Buffalo Fire's training bureau is also located in the facility.

Erie County Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Skibitsky said, "Our County's first responders deserve the best training experience we can offer them."

"This new facility will provide the highest level of training, which the brave individuals in all Erie County Fire Departments need and deserve," said Erie County Executive Chris Collins.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, "My Administration continues to provide state-of-the-art equipment and technology upgrades for our Buffalo firefighters and I thank Erie County Executive Chris Collins for making this investment in this new Live Burn Building, which will provide excellent training opportunities for firefighters from the city and around the county."

Funding for the new building was set aside in the capital budget. It cost about $1 million to complete.

The press conference was followed by a live burn demonstration.