The Kentucky Fire Commission’s new Fire Training Center, located on the campus of Bowling Green Technical College (BGTC), is receiving a new fire truck. The City of Bowling Green has stepped forward to provide the needed 1988 Pierce fire truck to BGTC. The College will transfer ownership to the Kentucky Fire Commission to use in training existing and future firefighters. “We have worked closely with Dr. Nathan Hodges and Bowling Green Technical College and the training they provide is essential to our ability to hire and maintain a well-trained, high quality force,” said Bowling Green Fire Chief, Greg Johnson. “We feel this is a win-win situation that will help the College have additional resources to train firefighters in our area.” “This surplus apparatus will make our fire training program even stronger, and allow those being trained to get a hands-on feel for the equipment,” said BGTC College President Nathan Hodges. The new Regional Fire Training Center was dedicated in June 2011 to provide tailored programs and training for Kentucky’s first responders, including firefighters, EMS and law enforcement personnel. The Center’s staff currently relies on borrowed reserve fire apparatus for classes, which is often logistically challenging. The new fire truck is one less obstacle for all involved. “The City of Bowling Green has a tremendous fire department, and providing this apparatus demonstrates their commitment to providing the best education possible for current and future firefighters,” said Kentucky Fire Commission Executive Director Ronnie Day. “We are glad to be a cooperative partner with Bowling Green Technical College and value the service and training they provide to our firefighters,” says Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson. “The donation of this equipment to be used for training purposes will benefit the community and be of far greater value than selling the truck as surplus equipment.” The Regional Fire Training Center serves fire departments throughout the 10 counties of the Barren River Region.