LANSING, MICH. The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) celebrated the expansion of the
Emergency Management and Homeland Security Training Center (EMHSTC), Hazardous Materials Training Unit Tuesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by MSP and EMHSD leadership, first responders, industry leaders and the facility’s original founders.
“The expansion and modernization of this facility reflect the Michigan State Police's continued investment in ensuring first responders across Michigan and the nation have access to the highest-quality hazardous materials training and resources,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “By strengthening preparedness and response capabilities, this investment helps ensure responders are ready to protect Michigan communities before, during and after emergencies.”
“For more than three decades, the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Training Center has prepared hazardous materials responders with the knowledge and skills needed to protect Michigan communities,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “This expansion builds on that legacy by providing modern classrooms, upgraded technology and enhanced training environments that will support high-quality instruction and help meet the growing demand for years to come.”
Construction on the multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion project began in August 2025. Improvements include two modern classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and direct access to the training yard and garage, allowing instructors to seamlessly integrate classroom instruction with hands-on exercises. Three new conference rooms provide additional meeting and instructional space, including a flexible room that can be divided into separate areas or converted into classroom space as needed.
“The expansion of this training center is a tremendous step forward for hazardous materials training in Michigan,” said Wendy Galbreath, manager of the Hazardous Materials Training Unit at the MSP/EMHSD. “The additional space allows us to offer more training, conduct multiple classes at the same time, and better serve emergency responders across the state. As the Hazardous Materials Training Unit approaches its 35th anniversary this September, this expansion helps ensure we're ready to meet the growing demand well into the future.”
The expansion also added nine unisex restrooms and improved workspace accommodations for staff, ensuring all full-time employees have dedicated office space while creating a more efficient environment for instructors, support personnel and contract staff. Utilities such as sewer and electricity were upgraded, as well as the building’s HVAC system to better support air handling in the building.
Originally constructed in 1991 through a public-private partnership between Dow Chemical, the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Chemistry Council and several private-sector partners, the EMHSTC is a cornerstone for hazardous materials and emergency response training with its unique 4-acre property including real railcars and tank cars and other real-life scenario training props.
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