West Virginia law requires a certain number of training hours per officer.
If the department had the building, instruction would be in one location and Chief Newell believes that would save the city money. He already has a vision for the building.
"We are going to build our own indoor range in the basement for one thing...multiple classrooms used for training. The upstairs would be used by the fire department access to classrooms as well. It's a joint venture," says Chief Newell.
Thursday morning the public works committee of the Parkersburg City Council meets. At that time Chief Newell says they will seek permission to approach the Wood County Board of Education to obtain the building.
