CLAXTON, GA (WTOC) -
Relatives and former co-workers of the late Larry Rogers celebrated the new firefighter training facility named after him.
The three story structure is made of freight containers and metal steps. It is built to withstand repeated pallet fires as crews practice their floor-to-floor and open window techniques.
"It allows our firefighters to get their live fire training instead of having to travel out of town to get it," explained fire chief Harold Rogers. "Plus, it's already certified with the state so other agencies in the area can come here and train and it counts for their state standards."
Larry Rogers began as a volunteer with Claxton Fire for seven years and served as chief for 23 years. He died behind the wheel of a rescue truck in 2004, returning from his third fire call of the day.
"He was always concerned about firefighter safety and training. This gives them a good place for that," said his widow, Patsy.
Harold Rogers credited city and county leaders for working together to develop the site, located on Hendrix Bridge Road.
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