“This is a true demonstration of teamwork and proactive collaboration,” said project lead Celina Weatherwax, of Weatherwax Strategies.

Portage Fire Chief Tom Fieffer said the new training center once completed will allow his firefighters and those from all five counties in Northwest Indiana a central location for training and meetings.

Firefighters presently conduct training within their own departments or go to a central but distant location, such as O’Hare International Airport.

“If we can do it here it’s less stressful and more time efficient,” Fieffer said.

Valparaiso Fire Chief Chad Dutz said the new training center will also add to more cooperation between all the area fire departments.

“Given the times we have to lean on each other...We can share resources and get quality training,” Dutz said.

Valparaiso Assistant Fire Chief Jon Daly agreed that the new center will bring about more camaraderie among area firefighters and build relationships.

“We need to rely on each other,” Daly said.

The first phase of the train