Putnam Opens New Fire Training Center for First Responders

Officials cut the ribbon to officially open the new, state-of-the-art Lt. Michael Neuner Fire & EMS Training Center in Kent.

The brand new, state-of-the-art Lt. Michael Neuner Fire & EMS Training Center designed to provide a modern, safe, and comprehensive environment for local first responders to hone their skills and prepare for emergency situations is now officially open. Local officials, first responders, and community leaders gathered July 10 to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening.

“This project is not just about a building – it’s about investing in the future of our first responders and ensuring they have the best resources to keep our community safe,” said Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne. “This facility will serve not only Putnam County, but also the surrounding region, providing critical training opportunities for years to come.”

The previous fire training center had been significantly underutilized for years, with the training tower deemed unsafe more than a decade ago. The burn facility was closed repeatedly due to costly repairs, forcing many first responders to travel outside the county for necessary training.

Now, with the new facility open and operational right in the Town of Kent, first responders can benefit from a fully functional space to improve their skills.

“A lot of effort went into making this project happen,” said Bureau of Emergency Services Commissioner Robert Lipton. “I want to thank the county executive for having the vision and leadership to make this a priority, and I thank the Fire Advisory Board and the committee that helped design it.”

Funding for the $1.6 million project came from a combination of sources, including more than $1 million in repurposed American Rescue Plan Act dollars, $200,000 from the county’s capital projects fund, and direct funding from the BES budget. In addition, State Sen. Pete Harckham, D-Peekskill, secured $250,000 in state grants to support the project.

“Our first responders sacrifice so much for us each and every day,” said Harckham. “They put their lives on the line and sometimes put their family second to protect this community. We owe them everything we can do to keep them safe, and safety comes from training and repetition. By having this local facility, we can enable more consistent training and better outcomes.”  

The Lt. Michael Neuner Fire & EMS Training Center is named after Michael Neuner of the Brewster Volunteer Fire Department who was killed in the line of duty fighting a house fire in 1997.

“Every day we honor the legacy of Lt. Michael Neuner through continuous trainings, who this facility is named after,” said Brewster Fire Chief Mike Miller. “This building stands as a testament to our commitment to learn and grow.”

“Places like this are so important because I, myself, have made mistakes here, and learned to navigate them so I don’t make mistakes in the field,” added Brewster Fire Department President Tommy Regan. “Going through consistent trainings at places like this will help prevent another tragedy like we had all those years ago.”

Putnam County has also worked to support its volunteer first responders by providing a property tax exemption for those who serve. Last month, the County Legislature passed legislation to expand that property tax credit, which was made possible by actions of the New York State Legislature. 

“Thanks to the hard work of Sen. Harckham and Assemblyman (Matt) Slater, soon we will be able to expand the 10 percent property tax exemption to volunteers who serve in Putnam County,” said Byrne. “This is a win for our community and helps ensure that more people will be encouraged to serve as first responders.”

“Putnam’s first responders deserve a facility right here in Putnam County that is worthy of their commitment,” added Slater, R-Yorktown. “We have worked to pass legislation to help recruit more first responders, which are desperately needed.”

The Putnam Legislature played an instrumental role in supporting the funding for this project.

“I thank and congratulate everyone who was part of making this project happen,” said Chairwoman Amy Sayegh, R-Mahopac Falls. “I also want to thank our emergency service volunteers who put themselves on the frontlines without hesitation.”

The renovated campus is a critical step forward for Putnam County, ensuring first responders are well-equipped to face any emergency situation.

“This new center, along with the expanded tax exemption, helps ensure our first responders have the tools they need to stay here and continue protecting our community,” said Byrne. “We are investing in our future and I look forward to seeing the impact this project will have on our community for many years to come.”