Macomb Community College announces new facility designed to enhance firefighter training

Macomb County Executive and State Representative rappel down college’s live burn tower to highlight $2M in support from state and importance of first responder training

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Rep. Denise Mentzer, Michigan House of Representatives, rappelled down the live burn tower on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Macomb Community College’s Public Service Institute (PSI) in Clinton Township, highlighting a $2 million state appropriation to enhance the college’s firefighter training. The state’s investment will help fund a new building to create a training environment for fire academy cadets that mirror fire stations throughout the state. The new building, which is expected to be complete December 2025, will house a fire engine truck, aerial ladder fire truck and equipment that firefighters use daily.

State Rep. Mentzer was instrumental in securing the appropriation including sponsoring the bill, with State Sen. Kevin Hertel shepherding it through the Michigan Senate and the Michigan legislative delegation contributing to its passage.

"I am proud to have brought home $2 million for Macomb Community College’s Public Safety Institute in this year’s annual state budget,” said Rep. Denise Mentzer. “This vital program trains the police officers, firefighters and EMS workers of tomorrow, ensuring they are ready to best serve our community. These essential workers are invaluable, and I thank them for their service to our community. You can count on me to continue to fight for investments that keep Michiganders safe, whether it’s Selfridge Air National Guard base or supporting our public safety workers — public safety is an absolute top priority of mine.”

The new fire apparatus building is the beginning of approximately $11 million in planned renovations for the college’s PSI, at which the community’s first responders are trained. The college provides training necessary for individuals to become police, fire and emergency medical professionals as well as ongoing professional development to support them throughout their careers. The college is exploring funding options for the remaining $9 million, which will include vital updates such as upgrading the live fire tower, creating new EMS and firearms classrooms, housing a new ambulance simulator and increasing training space to accommodate more students in each of PSI’s programs.

"I was thrilled to join Rep. Mentzer in rappelling down the live burn tower, showcasing the critical work being done to train our future firefighters effectively," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "This investment championed by her is a testament to the strong partnerships built between the college, Macomb County and the state of Michigan. This new facility will equip our brave men and women with hands-on, state-of-the-art training as well as the necessary skills and tools they need to keep our communities safe."

The current PSI facility was originally opened in 1996 and featured the Midwest’s only five-story live burn tower, allowing firefighters-in-training to practice their skills in safe, containable exercises before facing their first real fire on-the-job. In 2003, a 27,000-square-foot addition opened to accommodate the college’s police training proms and included four new classrooms, a commons area and the largest indoor firearms range in the state.  

“We take seriously the trust placed in us to train and support our community’s first responders,” said James O. Sawyer IV, president, Macomb Community College. “Each of us count on our police, fire and EMS professionals to be there for us when we need them, backed by the very best training, to protect our safety and our health.” 

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu