New Regional Safety Center Opens at Tappan Lake
SCIO, Ohio (WTUZ) (Nov. 6, 2026) — Volunteer firefighters at Tappan Lake have a new home, and local first responders now have a regional training facility designed to improve emergency preparedness and coordination across multiple agencies.
During a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, Harrison County Sheriff Mark Touville said the new $4.9 million Regional Safety Center represents a major investment in public safety and emergency response throughout the area.
“When they broke ground on this center, what was envisioned was a space that would bridge the gaps and build a stronger safety net for our residents and visitors,” Touville said. “Looking around, that vision is fully realized. This facility is a massive leap forward for local law enforcement, public safety, and rural emergency response.”
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Chief of Recreation Pete Novotny said the facility was built through a partnership with the Tappan Volunteer Fire Department and is designed to support a wide range of emergency services.
“This is a $4.9 million facility that is a partnership with the Tappan Volunteer Fire Department,” Novotny said. “It includes their side, classrooms, a range, and a helicopter pad for emergency services.”
Tappan Lake Fire Chief Stephen Keesey said the new center reflects a long-term commitment to protecting the community and strengthening emergency response capabilities.
“When the alarm sounds day or night, rain or shine, help will come faster, stronger, and better prepared than ever before,” Keesey said. “It is a place where our firefighters and law enforcement will train and answer the call. It is a place built on the support of this community, and it will serve this community for decades to come.”
The Regional Safety Center is located in the 35000 block of Cadiz-Dennison Road (U.S. 250) in Scio. The complex features an indoor shooting range, classrooms, specialized law enforcement training areas, and a separate building for the Tappan Lake Fire Department.
Funding for the project included approximately $4.25 million from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and $650,000 from Ohio’s one-time Strategic Community Investment Fund.
