Collin College opened its Public Safety Training Center Friday, Sept. 28 in McKinney near the intersection of Redbud Boulevard and Bloomdale Road.

The 128,109-square-foot facility sits on 25 acres of land and includes fire science training grounds, firearm ranges, a reality-based simulation village for police training and traditional classrooms, according to a news release from Collin College.

"We firmly believe that this center will make our communities safer," Robert Collins, founding Collin College trustee and board chairman, said in the release. "Not only does it provide a comprehensive training atmosphere for our academy cadets, but police and fire departments throughout Collin County and the surrounding area will have access to these innovative facilities closer to home."

The PSTC was built in cooperation with the city of McKinney, city of Allen and Collin College. This is a facility that benefits the entire region and is an example of regional collaboration, McKinney Mayor George Fuller said.

Two classes are already in session at the facility, according to the release, with a total of 48 students who are expected to graduate in December.

Prior to the facility's opening, nearby fire departments would travel to Richardson, Garland and Lewisville for training, according to a presentation at the Sept. 28 event.

"The Public Safety Training Center has the opportunity to be a focal point for first responder training in Collin County," Collin College District President Neil Matkin said in the release. "Designed to be responsive to the needs of modern firefighting and law enforcement training, the PSTC will be a valuable resource for preparing our students and emergency response personnel for the situations they will encounter while protecting the public and its property."

The college's Fire Science Academy offers an associate of applied science for basic firefighter certification, a basic firefighter certificate, a fire officer certificate and an associate of applied science for fire officer certification. The college's Law Enforcement Academy offers a basic peace officer certification, basic telecommunicator state licensure course and basic correctional officer state licensure course, according to the release.