APD training structure to arrive Friday
Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 20, 2010
The structure that will house the Andalusia Police Department’s new training facility will arrive Friday, assistant chief Mike Bowlan said Wednesday.
“Work will begin on Monday, and we’re estimating it will take about three weeks to complete,” Bowlan said. “After that portion is finished, work can begin on the inside.”
Once completed, the nearly $500,000, 7,500 square-foot facility will be used to train local law enforcement officers, as well as officers from smaller departments in the area.
It will have one classroom with a capacity of 85 people, and two smaller classrooms with a capacity of 30 each, as well as offices, restroom facilities and a garage area.
Inside, rooms will have sheet-rocked walls, tiled floors and state-of-the art media equipment.
Outside, the fabricated building will feature Andalusia High School colors – red, black and white.
There also will be a firing range with 20 pistol lanes, a rifle area and a “shoot” house, used for close-quarters tactical training.
Officers have been working steadily to complete renovations at the firing range.
Bowlan said he expects that portion of the project to be completed by Friday.
-Stephanie Nelson