Fire training tower coming to Maxwell High School of Technology

Gwinnett SPLOST funds will help build a fire training tower at Maxwell High School of Technology in Lawrenceville. Courtesy of Gwinnett County Fire Department

Gwinnett SPLOST funds will help build a fire training tower at Maxwell High School of Technology in Lawrenceville. Courtesy of Gwinnett County Fire Department

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement Tuesday with the Gwinnett County Board of Education to build a four-story fire training tower on the campus of Maxwell High School of Technology at 990 McElvaney Road in Lawrenceville.

The County will fund up to $530,000 using SPLOST funds and the balance will be paid by the school district. “We’re excited by this partnership that will benefit both students and firefighters,” said Fire Chief Casey Snyder. “And the central location makes it ideal for routine firefighter training.”

Maxwell High School of Technology currently offers courses in both fire service and emergency medical service. Crews from nearby Fire Station 20 often help teach Maxwell students. The tower will allow both students and firefighters to practice skills in response and mitigation of emergency situations in multi-story buildings. Those skills include search and rescue operations, emergency medical care, hose advancement, fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, ground and aerial ladder placements, and hoisting techniques.