How we got here
The facility was rented by Montgomery County starting on Oct. 1, 2022, and operated jointly by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
“We came together to figure out what we can do as a community that would make an impact on stopping the next school shooting,” Henderson said during a May 20 press conference.
Roughly 1,200 first responders have already completed the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training at the facility, which is performed by certified instructors.
The details
The former Keefer Crossing Middle School in New Caney ISD is fully renovated and staffed through a partnership with the Department of Public Safety as well as $23.7 million in funding from the state following a new state mandate requiring all first responders to have active shooter training.
The facility will be staffed by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and funding is included in the state allocation for:
- One lieutenant
- Four sergeant
- Four specialists
“The new Montgomery County Reality-Based Training Center marks a major innovative advancement in public safety,” Henderson said in a press conference. “It ensures our first responders are highly trained and prepared for any active threat challenge. Offering free training to responders nationwide strengthens our collective response and enhances community safety."
“It was a team effort not just for Montgomery County but to set the standard for the state,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said.
