Ground was broken Wednesday for the Arkansas Fire Training Academy's new residential facility at Southern Arkansas University-Tech.
The ceremony brought around 150 people to the AFTA grounds.
Dr. Jason Morrison, SAU Tech chancellor; Dr. Trey Berry, SAU system president; Col. Steve Eggensberger, Governor's Office; Rachel Nix, AFTA director; and Chief Shane Dallas, Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Organization, took turns addressing the crowd. Each presenter thanked everyone who has a part in the 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 Asa Hutchinson heard the need and took action in providing funding.