On Monday, Sept. 25, optimism and excitement filled the newly renovated Law Enforcement Building 600 at Cochise College’s Sierra Vista Campus. Distinguished guests, board members, and
partners gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony hosted by Cochise College President Dr. J.D. Rottweiler. Senator David Gowan, Sheriff Mark Dannels, and college Board Chairperson Jane Strain also attended and spoke, highlighting the significance of this event.
Cochise College began construction for two new facilities at the Sierra Vista Campus. In his address, Dr. Rottweiler emphasized the significance of partnerships, relationships, and collective efforts in driving innovation and growth for Cochise County.
“Today, we kick off phase three of the college’s First Responders Academy,” remarked Dr. Rottweiler. “It’s our way of growing our own. It is through partnerships and relationships that projects like this become a reality.”
The new facilities, namely the Firearms Training Complex and Bugen Hall student housing, are integral to the expansion of the First Responders Academy in rural Arizona.
The Firearms Training Complex, a single-story building, measures 9,338 square feet. The indoor firing range will have 20 lanes in total and designed with the most modern, safe indoor ranges and HVAC equipment. There will be a lobby, break room, lockers, restrooms, and 11 armory and weapons cleaning areas. The same design standards are found in many law enforcement, U.S. military and federal training centers. The Cochise College Firearms Training Center is one of the most advanced indoor training ranges in Southeast Arizona.
The second addition is the college’s first student residence hall at the Sierra Vista Campus. The Cochise College Foundation received its largest monetary donation ever – $9.6 million from George Bugen. The Bugen endowment will be used to begin construction of the new Bugen Hall student housing. Designed to accommodate 45 student dormitory units along with one director’s suite, the two-story facility spans an impressive 17,699 square feet, with an estimated total cost of $14.8 million. The hall offers a multitude of amenities, including a welcoming lobby, laundry rooms, a dedicated study room, and a central elevator, enhancing the student living experience at Cochise College.
For more information about the First Responders Academy and the latest updates on these groundbreaking developments, please visit www.cochise.edu/first-responders.