Groundbreaking Ceremony For New Public Safety Center In Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Construction has officially started for a much-needed facility for fire, police, and EMS services in Virginia.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held today for the Virginia Public Safety Center and Training Facility. The center will be a new and improved state-of-the-art home for the Virginia Fire & EMS Departments and Police Department. Current facilities are outdated and lacking in equipment, technology and space according to officials.

“I know the challenges that EMS is facing. I know the challenges that rural hospitals are facing. And you know it makes it very very difficult for a thriving community if you don’t have strong healthcare, you don’t have EMS and fire and police where people feel safe and have those services,” said Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL) Aurora.

The original fire hall was built in 1895 and updated in the 60’s. There is no room for equipment and the ambulances can barely fit in there. Now with the new build there will be a one stop shop for all services.

“Number one it’s right on the corridor, easy access to Highway 53, easy access to the hospital up on Northside. In addition to that it’ll relieve some of the blight remediation and neighborhood revitalization in this particular area. It’s cleaned up the area a little bit,” said Mayor Larry Cuffe Jr. for the City of Virginia.

The City was allocated $11.5 million from the State of Minnesota for the new build. The project should take about 18 months to complete.