Indian River County Firefighters Gain Critical Training Experience at Future Childcare Resources Campus

Indian River County Fire Rescue Division conducted a two-day training at Childcare Resources' downtown campus. Pictured in the center is Battalion Chief Kyle Kofke, with Bryan Martin (left), Project Manager with Proctor Construction, and Shannon McGuire Bowman (right), Executive Director of Childcare Resources.

The Indian River County Fire Rescue Division recently conducted essential hands-on training at Childcare Resources of Indian River’s newly acquired downtown campus. The soon-to-be-renovated building provided an invaluable opportunity for firefighters to sharpen their skills in real-world scenarios, reinforcing their ability to protect and serve the community.

Over the course of two days, firefighters filled the 15,000-square-foot, one-story structure with smoke, practiced breaking through walls, and conducted search-and-rescue drills—all designed to enhance their readiness for real-life emergencies.

“The Indian River County Department of Emergency Services, Fire Rescue Division, would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Childcare Resources and Proctor Construction for their invaluable support,” said Fire Chief David Johnson.

“Their willingness to allow our crews to train in a building slated for renovation has been a welcomed addition to our ongoing training efforts. Support from organizations like Childcare Resources is integral to our success in fulfilling our mission to protect the lives and property of Indian River County’s residents and visitors.”

Firefighters put their skills to the test inside the 15,000-square-foot building, filling it with smoke, breaking through walls, and performing search-and-rescue drills to prepare for real-life emergency situations.

This unique training opportunity was made possible as part of Childcare Resources’ ongoing expansion project. The downtown property, which includes two buildings, will soon undergo interior demolition and renovation, transforming into a state-of-the-art early childhood education campus. Once completed, the new campus will feature a school, an administrative building with wellness and therapy gyms, and a large 300-person training center—significantly revitalizing the heart of downtown Vero Beach.

“We are proud to support the Indian River County Fire Rescue Division by offering them this space for vital training,” said Shannon McGuire Bowman, Executive Director of Childcare Resources. “Collaborations like this are what it’s all about—working together to strengthen our community. Just as they helped us with a part of our demolition process, we were honored to give back by providing this opportunity for hands-on learning.”

As Proctor Construction prepares for the next phase of the project, this partnership underscores the power of community collaboration. By coming together, Childcare Resources, Proctor Construction, and the Indian River County Fire Rescue Division are ensuring a safer and stronger future for Indian River County.