Camden, AR- The cold rainy weather was no deterrent to the fire service and a host of other attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Arkansas Fire Training Academy's new residential facility.

The groundbreaking brought around 150 people to the AFTA grounds on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. Dr. Trey Berry, SAU System President, Colonel Eggensberger, Governor's Office, Rachel Nix, AFTA Director, and Chief Shane Dallas took turns addressing the crowd. Each presenter thanked everyone who had a part in the creation of the upcoming construction project.

The need for a housing facility on the grounds of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy has long been advocated by the state's fire service. Governor Hutchinson heard the need and took action in providing funding. The facility will be 39,000 square feet and provide sleeping quarters, dining and lounge areas, study areas, offices, and more. The construction is expected to start in a few days and be completed in December 2020.

The AFTA operates under the governance of SAU Tech and is part of the SAU System. The AFTA provides statewide training to an average of over 20,500 students each year by delivering an average of 11,400 classes to firefighters.