City officials, firefighters, and members of the public gathered Thursday morning to officially dedicate the newly expanded Walter Freeman Fire Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to elevate Owensboro’s fire service training for generations to come.
Located at 1323 Daviess Street, the new facility includes a four-story modular burn tower, modern classrooms, locker rooms, offices, and training areas. The expansion is part of the city’s $30 million “Operation Firehouse” initiative to improve fire department infrastructure.
“This training facility is, in effect, a monument to the fact that tragedies will always happen — but also to the fact that there are those committed to being there when they do,” said Owensboro Fire Chief James Howard during the dedication. “It’s a sacred place where continual growth and progress take place.”
Mayor Tom Watson echoed that sentiment, calling the facility a key part of the city’s responsibility to public safety.
“Public safety is always our number one concern,” Watson said. “This investment is a meaningful step in providing a high-quality training environment for our firefighters and meeting the needs of our community.”
Howard also paid tribute to the training center’s namesake, former Chief Walter Freeman, who played a key role in the development of the site beginning in the 1940s and led the department through critical modernization efforts in the 1970s.
“We rededicate these grounds today with honor and respect to Chief Walter L. Freeman in recognition of his contributions to this department and this city,” Howard said.
Two key areas within the new complex were also named in honor of former department leaders. The burn room has been designated the Starling J. Lambert Burn Room, in recognition of Lambert’s leadership from 1952 to 1970. The classroom area was named the David W. McCrady Classroom in memory of the late training chief known for his mentorship and passion for the fire service.
Howard acknowledged numerous city officials, past and present department members, and design and construction teams who contributed to the project. He credited former training chiefs Coulter Tate and Corey Gannon for helping shape the project and said the center is built to serve not only Owensboro’s firefighters but also regional partners like Daviess County Fire, AMR, and local volunteer departments.
“This space is ready for business,” Howard said before joining elected officials and department staff for a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
The ceremony concluded with a live demonstration using the new tower.
