Madison Fire Department won’t train at MATC

A new protective services building on the MATC campus will not be able to accommodate the Madison Fire Department’s advanced training needs, according to Fire Chief Steven Davis. Originally, the fire department, with a $1.4 million contribution from the city, was slated to be a major tenant in MATC’s new building. Instead, the City Council approved $1.3 million to purchase east side parcels on Femrite Drive, Dairy Drive, Prairie Dock Drive, Marsh Court, and Interstate 90-39, where a new fire station (No. 14) and training facility will one day be erected. The fire department will ask for $10 million more, including $8.1 million for the new station, which won’t be built for several years.