Aurora – Denver and Aurora are discussing building a state- of-the-art training academy for police officers and firefighters that could attract departments from throughout the metro area and the country.
Denver has been studying a regional public safety academy for about a year and met with Aurora officials Wednesday during a Public Safety Committee meeting.
The complex could have shooting ranges, driving ranges for emergency vehicles, classrooms and scenario villages, where officers could train at a mock bank robbery, for example.
“Individually we probably couldn’t do it, but together we can build it,” Denver Manager of Safety Al LaCabe said. “What we want is cutting-edge training, training that is realistic.”
Officials envision a training site of at least 100 acres in a central location. Denver has identified a triangle bordered by Interstate 270, E-470 and Interstate 70, with one site possibly the Rocky Mountain Arsenal area.
The two cities would take the lead in development. So far, several entities, including Brighton, Commerce City, Littleton, Thornton, the Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have indicated they would support it.
The price hasn’t been determined, but a similar complex in Australia cost about $47 million, said Derek Brown of Denver’s General Services Department.
Numerous scenarios for funding were discussed, including private investors, bonds, federal grants and corporate sponsorships – but not tax increases.
Once it’s completed, planners hope it would be self-sustaining. Agencies could rent space, the shooting range or simulator time. Companies could pay to try out new products, such as the latest in gun technology.
“If we build what we are proposing, people will come,” Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates said.
There are several benefits to multiple agencies’ training at the same site, they said. Training together would mean better interaction when responding to a Columbine High School-type scenario.
Also, with a top-notch training complex, more police and firefighters would want to train there, which would mean better candidates, Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier said.
“Having a regional and first- class training facility will go a long way toward attracting qualified candidates – that would include diverse candidates,” Frazier said.
Both cities have made hiring minorities for police and fire a priority, and this could be a way to improve their numbers, he said.
Denver and Aurora currently have training sites for police and firefighters, but those are outdated and scattered. The new FasTracks highway and light rail expansion would also oust some.
Aurora on Wednesday agreed to pay $75,000 of the $210,000 to further explore the issue, with Denver funding the rest.
“If you are going to be better at this business,” Oates said, “there’s a need for better facilities.”
Staff writer Carlos Illescas can be reached at 303-820-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com.
