For decades, the idea of a dedicated training center for York County’s first responders was little more than a hope passed down from one generation to the next. Roger Hooper, now York County’s Chief Fire Administrator, remembers hearing the old-timers in Goodwin Mills talk about what was needed—a place where firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, and law enforcement officers could train together, side by side.
When Hooper took on his role with the county in 2019, he became the only county-level fire administrator in Maine. From his first days on the job, he saw the need for a facility that could bring all branches of public safety together. “It’s been on the back burner for years,” he recalls. “But when I learned we’d have access to $20 million to build a training center, I knew it was time to make this vision a reality.”
Exterior of First Responder Training Center
Hooper sketched out the initial design himself, envisioning a campus that would serve every aspect of emergency response. The concept quickly gained momentum. “All hazards—fire, EMS, dispatch, law enforcement—everyone jumped on the idea,” he says. County commissioners were convinced, and support from federal leaders soon followed. The timing was right: as the pandemic highlighted the urgent need for robust public safety infrastructure, funding became available, and York County seized the opportunity.
Construction is now underway, with the facility set to open its doors in January 2026. When complete, it will be one of the top five state-of-the-art training centers in New England—unmatched anywhere else in Maine. For the first time, departments that once trained in isolation will come together for higher-end, nationally recognized programs. “Right now, everything is separate,” Hooper explains. “This facility will offer a bigger bang—national programs, advanced simulations, and hands-on tactical training.”
The center’s impact will be felt far beyond the training grounds. York County’s first responders face daily challenges, from workforce shortages to the growing complexity of emergencies. Calls for service have skyrocketed, and the days of relying solely on volunteer firefighters are fading. “Most small towns are now putting on full-time staff,” Hooper notes. “We used to have 60 calls a year. Now, we have 60 calls a month.”
To address these challenges, the training center is partnering with the local community college to launch fire and EMT apprentice programs, tactical training, and even certificate and degree pathways for college credit. “If we provide quality training throughout their careers, the chance they will stay increases,” Hooper says. “This will improve the professionalism of first responders throughout the region.”
Interior of First Responder Training Center
The facility will also house the York County Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Center, providing vital support for individuals who battle substance use disorder. “Having a treatment facility to partner with is huge,” Hooper emphasizes. “There will be programs and support for first responders as well.”
Inside, the center will feature cutting-edge technology: virtual reality equipment, simulation labs, a steel fire training tower, and even a pond for pump training. There will be spaces for hospital maternity scenarios—critical as more babies are delivered in ambulances due to rural hospital closures—and a jail cell for corrections training. Dispatchers, often overlooked, will finally have a place for scenario-based, integrated training alongside their field colleagues.
The excitement is palpable. “The general public has shown lots of interest,” Hooper says. “Everyone seems to see the need. When someone calls 911, they want someone competent to show up.”
For Hooper, the project is more than bricks and mortar. It’s the culmination of a vision shared by generations of York County’s first responders—a permanent investment in safety, readiness, and community. “This is something that will continue to benefit future generations,” he says. “It’s a testament to the county’s foresight and commitment to public safety.”
Something big is happening in York County. And it’s just the beginning.