ALLENTOWN, PA - On August 24th, the Allentown FD held a ribbon cutting dedication for its new fire academy and emergency operations center located at 1902 Lehigh St. Civic and fire officials from across Lehigh Valley were in attendance. 

The new center was dedicated to the late retired Assistant Chief of Training Christopher Kiskeravage, who had passed away on June 9th after a three-year bout with cancer. His widow, Andrea, had the privilege of cutting the ribbon for the new center.

A $2.36 million in funding for the new center came from the American Rescue Plan Act, while about $130,000 came from the federal Community Project Funding. The building has classroom space for up to 100 people, a mixed storage room for training aids, etc. There are several flat screen televisions, lap-top plug-in desks, a full kitchen, and a cot room. The city's first OEC has a conference room for department leaders and government officials to handle emergencies. There are five administrative offices provided for the FD and two offices for its staff. The first class of recruits is scheduled for January 2024.