State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor, joined by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, House Speaker Pro Tempore Mitchell Setzer, and leaders from the North Carolina Air National Guard and Stanly County, officially opened the North Carolina Emergency Training Center (NC ETC) during a Fire Hose Uncoupling on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Stanly County Airport in New London.
The NC Emergency Training Center represents an $87 million state investment in public safety and emergency preparedness. It was made possible through a partnership between the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), the North Carolina Air National Guard (NCANG), and Stanly County — a collaboration that demonstrates how agencies working together can strengthen communities across the state.
“This world-class facility ensures that North Carolina’s first responders — firefighters, emergency management, law enforcement, and military personnel — have access to the most advanced, realistic training available anywhere in the world,” said State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. “By preparing for both everyday incidents and large-scale disasters, we’re protecting the lives, families, and infrastructure of North Carolina.”
The NC Emergency Training Center is the only facility of its kind in the world offering such a diverse range of integrated emergency response training capabilities, including:
Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF): Full-scale Boeing 737 and C-130 training props, along with a 3,500-gallon burn pit for live fire exercises.
Swift and Flood Water Rescue: The only program worldwide with the ability to use motorized boats for flood and water rescue simulations.
Advanced and Specialized Training: Courses in Urban Search & Rescue, Hazardous Materials, and Fire Investigation, designed to meet the unique needs of North Carolina’s fire service and emergency management community.
Located in the heart of Stanly County, surrounded by the Uwharrie National Forest and local waterways, the site provides a dynamic training environment ideal for real-world scenarios.
In addition to its training mission, the project will create 35–40 new jobs and drive continued growth for local businesses and educational partners such as Stanly Community College.
The NCANG’s 145th Airlift Wing has long been recognized for excellence in disaster response and humanitarian missions. For over two decades, this site has hosted joint training between military personnel and civilian firefighters — an approach that builds strong coordination during real-world emergencies.
The event featured remarks from legislative and local leaders, followed by a hose uncoupling dedication that symbolized by the uncoupling of a fire hose, representing unity, readiness, and shared purpose among North Carolina’s emergency services.
Immediately following the ceremony, guests witness live training demonstrations, including:
Phase Two of the NC Emergency Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) live burn demonstration led by Retired Chief Darryl Cook of the NC Air National Guard.
Swift and Flood Water Rescue exercises featuring motorized boat operations and helicopter-assisted rescues, led by Retired Asheville Fire Captain Jeremy Edmonds.
Training Center is already planned for completion in December 2026, expanding facilities and offering even more advanced training opportunities.
“The NC Emergency Training Center is more than a building,” Taylor said. “It’s a long-term commitment to keeping North Carolina prepared, resilient, and safe.”