Caldwell City Council Dedicates Land for Fire Training Division
Published on April 25, 2025
On April 21, the Caldwell City Council unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Caldwell Public Works, Caldwell Fire, and Caldwell Police to divide the City-owned “Pit” property at 21109 Chicago Street, marking a major step forward in enhancing local public safety infrastructure.
As part of the agreement, Caldwell Fire will occupy 5.75 acres of the site. This land is designated for a joint public safety training facility, which will include purpose-built training grounds and offices for the Fire Department’s Training Division.
The development is supported by $787,707 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, awarded in December 2024 to strengthen public safety training for both the Caldwell Fire and Police Departments.
In 2024 alone, Caldwell Fire personnel completed over 16,900 hours of training to maintain certifications and ensure full readiness for every call. The future facility will not only streamline local training efforts but will also enable Caldwell Fire to host external industry experts and deliver specialized instruction directly in the region.
“This project is about more than just infrastructure—it’s about readiness, growth, and community safety,” said Deputy Chief of Operations Matt Shupe. “The new facility will allow us to train more efficiently, attract high-level instructors, and make sure our teams are fully prepared when the community needs us most.”
“This joint training center stands as a testament to unity, collaboration, and our shared commitment to safety," said Rex Ingram, Caldwell Chief of Police. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the council for their unwavering support in bringing this vision to life. By working together, police and fire teams can build stronger partnerships, enhance our skills, and ensure we are always ready to serve, side by side.”
This investment reflects the City of Caldwell’s ongoing commitment to strengthening emergency response and planning for the future of public safety.