New academy is located in Linden at former County Juvenile Detention Center

(Photo by Dave Pilmenstein)
UNION COUNTY – The Union County Board of County Commissioners cut the ribbon today on the new Union County Fire/EMS Training Academy. The new facility provides classroom space for both professional and volunteer firefighters in training, as well as continuing education for firefighters and EMT’s who are currently serving.
Forty-four firefighters from Hillside, Linden, Rahway and Union Township have commenced classroom instruction at the new Fire Academy, formerly the site of the Union County Juvenile Detention Center, located at 1075 Edward Street in Linden.
“We had a building that was available for repurposing and this works out well for the County as well as for local fire departments,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to offer a conveniently located facility for Union County’s Firefighters and EMT’s to work toward the completion of their training.”
Future plans include the development of a course catalog with public safety classes such as CPR training available to members of the general public.
“I am extremely excited about this new academy, it has been a long time coming. This gives our firefighters from all the different municipalities the ability to start their careers by training together while building relationships. They will be seeing each other on the various fire grounds throughout their careers,” said Michael Scanio, Chief of the Township of Union Fire Department and president of the Union County Chiefs Association.
Currently, the county has an existing facility located on Lower Road in Linden that will continue to provide a realistic environment for conducting live burn training for both career and volunteer firefighters.
The Fire Training Academy is operated by the Union County Department of Public Safety. For more information, please visit: ucnj.org/public-safety.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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COVID-19 safety precautions will be observed at these events.
In order to better assist seniors 65 years of age and older, and those who may not have internet access, the Union County Board of County Commissioners announced the opening on Friday, January 29th of a COVID-19 Vaccination Call Center for residents to schedule an appointment. The Union County COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center will also work to answer questions from residents who need more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, and can also help arrange transportation if necessary for residents with a confirmed vaccination appointment.
Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are looking to add variety, spice, and healthy ingredients to their home cooked meals can find guidance online from the experts, through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.
Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are seeking ways to help the environment this year can start by bringing reusable grocery bags to the supermarket, and skipping single-use bags.
The fee per person per class is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents.