Bauer Plummer Public Safety Police & Fire Training Center EMS Addition

Level-1 engineered the technology backbone for Chicago’s EMS training facility, where police, fire, and paramedics prepare together for real-world emergencies.

Following the completion of Chicago’s Joint Public Safety Training Academy in West Garfield Park, the city made a deliberate investment in expanding the campus to include Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training. The addition was designed to ensure paramedics could train alongside police officers and firefighters, fostering the kind of cross-functional collaboration that modern emergency response demands. 

This new EMS facility required a highly specialized layer of infrastructure one that could support scenario-based training with real-time responsiveness, secure data transfer, and simulation-quality audiovisual environments. 

Level-1 Global Solutions was engaged to lead the design and implementation of this complex technology ecosystem, coordinating closely with AECOM and the City of Chicago across multiple systems and agencies. From AV-enabled learning spaces to security and communications systems, our work ensured the new addition could deliver high-stakes training with precision, flexibility, and long-term reliability.

What We Delivered 

• Full design and installation of low-voltage systems for voice, data, video, and wireless networks 
• MDF and IDF room design with backbone and horizontal distribution systems, cabling, cable trays, patch panels, grounding, and labeling 
• Custom audiovisual environments, including digital signage, video walls, wireless AV racks, and scenario replay systems 
• Sound reinforcement systems with PA/GA integration and fire alarm overrides 
• Crestron-based AV controls allowing instructors to adapt training environments in real time 
• Security systems including interior and exterior cameras, card readers, intrusion detection, and biometric access 
• Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) to ensure reliable radio and cellular signal coverage 
• Paging, satellite/cable signal distribution, and Wi-Fi systems across all instructional and administrative zones 
• Technology coordination across architectural, interiors, civil, electrical, and mechanical teams for full system integration 

This addition solidified the academy’s position as one of the most advanced public safety training environments in the country. Level-1’s work enabled real-world readiness by embedding resilient, responsive systems into a facility designed to train those first responders who protect Chicago’s future, together.