Nov. 5, 2020 11:55a
(WGTD)----An asphalt track designed primarily for use in teaching emergency driving skills to police officer and firefighter recruits was dedicated Thursday.
Gateway Technical College's "Emergency Vehicle Operator Course"--or EVOC for short--is located on land leased from the city on the grounds of the Kenosha Regional Airport and next door to Gateway's Horizon Center, the facility on Highway H that's used primarily to teach budding auto and diesel mechanics.
Town of Delavan Police Chief Ray Clark teaches part-time at Gateway, and was heavily involved in the development of the track. "I know a lot of people are like 'it's just like driving a vehicle--how hard can it be?'" Clark said. "It's a very big task and it's a daunting task sometimes," he said. That's because emergency vehicle operators are often times multi-tasking to the max as they worry about cross-traffic, maintain two-way radio communications and think ahead to what might await them at their destination.
Gateway President Bryan Albrecht noted that the ultimate goal is saving lives. "That in itself is an inspiring thought," he said.
In addition to police and firefighter training, the track will be used to teach student semi-truck drivers. Automotive students will also use the facility to test vehicles they've repaired.
Part of the cost of building the track was covered by a $250,000 donation from the Kunes Country Auto Group.
-0-