Grant will support construction of new public safety training center

State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) today announced $250,000 in grant funding to support the City of Fulton’s new Public Safety Training Center, a regional facility designed to enhance training, coordination, and readiness among local fire, law enforcement, EMS, and emergency management agencies. 

The project—championed by city leaders and supported through Senator Ryan’s advocacy—will serve as a shared, multi-agency training hub, ensuring first responders have access to high-quality, on-site instruction while reducing costs and improving emergency response capabilities across Central New York. Redevelopment of an existing structure located at S. 12th St. is anticipated to begin May 2026.

“When we invest in our first responders, we invest in the safety and strength of our entire community,” said Senator Ryan. “This facility will save taxpayer dollars, expand training opportunities, and ensure that the men and women who protect us every day have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

This training facility will strengthen regional collaboration between southern Oswego and northern Onondaga counties including Fulton Fire and Police personnel, the Oswego Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and other regional law enforcement entities, support code enforcement training including the NYS Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) program, and will position Fulton as a nationally-recognized, accredited Tactical Emergency Casualty Care site, capable of certifying responders to Rescue Task Force and Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response standards. 

This facility will serve as a public warming or cooling station for residents during extreme weather events, as well as an Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response and support operations in emergencies. Fulton Residents will also have access to CPR training, household fire safety sessions, child safety seat installations, and emergency preparedness courses.

Mayor Jim Rice said, "The City of Fulton, located in the northern part of Senator Ryan's district, anticipates this completed facility will serve multiple agencies and organizations in the surrounding region. We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Ryan and his commitment to our proposed project, helping to prepare the City of Fulton for years to come."

Fire Chief Randy Ketcham said, “I would like to personally thank Senator Ryan and his incredible team for all of their support and for recognizing such limitless potential in the City of Fulton as we do. Fulton, New York is a small city with big city problems and when you try to solve big city problems with a small city budget, you need a resilient, innovative, resourceful team, willing to put in the work and this is exactly what I found in Fulton. I am quickly understanding that there was a reason my grandfather chose this community to raise his family. I’m excited for this town and its future.”

Police Chief Christian Dempsey said, “This new training facility represents an important investment in the safety of our community.  This facility will ensure that our first responders will have the training resources, space, and support they deserve. With Senator Ryan’s help, we’re building more than a training facility, we’re building a safer future for everyone in our city and the surrounding area.”