It all started with a conversation and a vision that would soon become a beacon of training excellence for the community.
The Warsaw Fire Protection District Truman Lake Regional Training Complex, located at 28867 Old Hwy 65, has become a hub for life-saving skills, thanks to the foresight of Fred Toomey and the generosity of the community.
The complex recently celebrated the dedication of its Extraction Training Area, a tribute to James "HOBO" Kreisel, a man whose nickname's origin story is as endearing as his contribution to the project. The nickname, as it turns out, was a youthful mispronunciation of his aunt's last name, Hobolt, which stuck with him through the years. Fred Toomey's vision was simple yet profound: to create a local training center that would prevent community members from having to seek training far from home.
With donations and fundraising efforts, the community rallied together to turn this vision into a reality. The center now offers a range of life-saving classes, not just for Warsaw but for all surrounding counties and communities.
The dedication ceremony was a poignant moment, especially for James Kreisel's brother, Mike, and his wife, Pat, and daughter Dominique Kreisel who accepted a plaque in James's honor.
This plaque, now a permanent fixture at the complex, commemorates the land purchase that made Fred's vision possible. Excitingly, the complex is set to expand its capabilities even further with the addition of a helipad, courtesy of the assistance from the Marine Corps Leathernecks.
This addition promises to enhance the facility's ability to offer even more comprehensive training opportunities. Stay tuned for more stories on the amazing opportunities that this facility will be offering.
The Warsaw Fire Protection District Truman Lake Regional Training Complex stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together. It honors the memory of James "HOBO" Kreisel, whose legacy lives on in the life-saving training provided to the community he loved.
Fred Toomey is thrilled to share that the Warsaw Fire Protection District Truman Lake Regional Training Complex stands as a beacon of financial responsibility and community dedication, completely debt-free. Embodying Fred's core value of "if you can't afford it, you can't buy it," this principle has not only ensured the financial health of the project but also set a precedent for how community-driven initiatives can thrive without the burden of debt.
This commitment to fiscal prudence and community service further cements the complex's role as a vital asset to the region, promising a safer future for everyone involved.
The LifeFlight Eagle, a symbol of hope and rapid response was flown in from Children's Mercy Hospital St. Luke's, creating a moment of pure joy for the children present. Witnessing the helicopter touches down on the future site of the helipad was not just exciting; it was a glimpse into the future of life-saving capabilities the facility is eager to offer. This memorable event underscores the complex's commitment to enhancing emergency services and the well-being of the community, promising a safer tomorrow for all counties.
A dynamic demonstration of an extraction, utilizing all the new cutting-edge tools available at the Warsaw Fire Protection District Truman Lake Regional Training Complex had everyone in awe of the hard work it takes to save a life. This demonstration was not just a display of the facility's state-of-the-art resources but a testament to the advanced training capabilities that are now accessible to emergency responders. By highlighting these modern tools, the event emphasized the complex's role in elevating the standards of rescue operations and preparedness, ensuring that the team is equipped to handle any situation with efficiency and expertise.
This addition further solidifies the facility's position as a leading center for life-saving training in the region.
Special thanks were given to Reser & Davis Miller Funeral Home and Womack Monument Company for donating the plaque. The community's support was further demonstrated by local businesses that contributed to the event, including Benton County Tire, G and W County Mart, A Little Bit of Everything, Sam's Small Engine Repair, The Dam Restaurant and Bar, Team Hare Re/Max of Warsaw, The Landing Bistro and Lounge, Pizza Hut, Benton County Enterprise, Walmart, Taco Villa, and Casey's on Main Street.
The facility is more than just a training complex; it's a community center capable of hosting events, weddings, graduations, and corporate meetings.
For those interested in learning more about the training complex or how to support its mission, please reach out to Fred Toomey at (816) 726-4415.
Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
