Warren County receives $750,000 in federal funding for new law enforcement and emergency services training center
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Warren County has secured $750,000 in federal funding toward the construction of a new law enforcement and emergency services training center designed to expand training opportunities for police, fire and emergency medical services personnel throughout the county.
U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. joined Warren County officials and members of the public safety community Thursday, Oct. 29, at the future site of the Warren County Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Training Center.
The facility will be located within the county’s Educational and Public Safety Complex, near the border of Franklin and Washington townships. It will be situated behind the Warren County 9/11 Memorial along the road connecting Warren County Community College and Warren County Technical School.
Kean secured the funding through the U.S. House Appropriations Committee’s Community Project Funding program, which allows members of Congress to request federal investments for specific local projects.
According to county officials, the new training center will address increasing training demands placed on law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies. The county currently lacks a suitable centralized location for certain required classes, creating challenges for instructors, organizers and participants.
The county’s existing Public Safety Campus in Franklin Township already includes Fire Academy training structures, a law enforcement K-9 training facility and specialized areas for controlled combustion activities.
The proposed training center will expand those resources by providing classroom space and areas for hands-on instruction in multiple training disciplines. The facility will also accommodate the county Office of the Fire Marshal in a modern space designed to support its operations.
“This began with a simple conceptual idea amongst the county government and the public safety community,” Warren County Administrator Alex Lazorisak said, adding, “Congressman Tom Kean Jr.’s efforts in securing this investment will help make the project a reality. I look forward to the continued collaboration with the Warren County Board of County Commissioners and local first responders to see this project to completion.”
County officials said the project is intended to improve training opportunities for emergency responders serving Warren County’s more than 110,000 residents.
Washington Township Police Chief Christopher Jones, who also serves as president of the Warren County Police Chiefs Association, said the facility will provide additional opportunities for agencies to coordinate their training.
“Part of being able to respond properly to emergencies is making sure our police, fire, and EMS receive the best training they can,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to the increased coordination in training efforts for agencies across the county,” Jones continued, “This center will help ensure the safety of residents through all our communities and the grant money received from the federal government will bring this project one step closer to becoming a reality.”
Additional federal funding secured for Warren County projects
The training center was one of four Warren County projects highlighted during Kean’s visits Thursday, with federal funding totaling nearly $2.5 million.
Kean also visited Greenwich Elementary School to present a ceremonial check for $97,607 to support the purchase of a school resource officer vehicle and equipment.
At Warren County Community College, he presented a ceremonial check for $978,625 for the college’s Agricultural Education and Training Center.
Kean also visited the Hope Township Volunteer Fire Department, which is receiving $656,406 for a new fire truck.
Warren County Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla thanked Kean for securing federal funding for the projects.
“It is a great day for Warren County,” Ciesla said, adding, “Thanks to his hard work and dedication, Congressman Tom Kean Jr. was able to secure nearly $2,500,000 for projects across Warren County. I want to thank the Congressman, who has been so successful in bringing federal tax dollars back to Warren County. Our priorities have become his priorities and he has delivered a tremendous amount for our county and our local communities. These projects will provide crucial services, and could not have happened without his leadership.”
Commissioner James R. Kern III also acknowledged the federal funding and its anticipated impact on public safety.
“I want to thank Congressman Tom Kean Jr. for the work he does every day to make sure Warren County’s needs are heard and our communities have a strong advocate in Washington. Securing federal support takes persistence, careful preparation, and close work with local partners. This investment will strengthen public safety here in Warren County.”
