St. Johns County Tactical Training Facility Earns Regional Award for Excellence in Public Safety
Recognition underscores long-term investment in community safety and preparedness
St. Johns County has received a Regional Award of Excellence in Public Safety from the Northeast Florida Regional Council for the design and construction of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Training Facility. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office produced a video to highlight this important project.
The award was presented Thursday, January 8, at the Northeast Florida Regional Council’s Regional Awards of Excellence Luncheon in Jacksonville. The Regional Awards of Excellence recognize bold projects and leaders whose dedication strengthens communities, improves quality of life, and advances regional collaboration across Northeast Florida. St. Johns County Public Works and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office accepted the award on behalf of the County, joined by members of the Board of County Commissioners and County Administration.
The Tactical Training Facility exemplifies St. Johns County’s Strategic Plan priority of expanding safe and efficient Infrastructure that enhances Community Well-Being and supports public safety outcomes.
The 15,000-square-foot concrete Tactical Training Facility was constructed in 2024 and opened in March 2025. Designed and built by St. Johns County Public Works in partnership with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the facility provides a centralized training environment for new deputies, specialized units, and partner agencies.
“This project reflects how St. Johns County turns public safety priorities into lasting infrastructure that serves our community,” said Greg Caldwell, Director of St. Johns County Public Works. “Public Works worked closely with the Sheriff’s Office to deliver a facility that supports realistic training, operational efficiency, and long-term value. We are proud to see that work recognized at the regional level.”
The facility includes multiple indoor training environments, a multi-story rappelling tower, a long-gun range, and direct connectivity to the Sheriff’s Office driving track. These features allow deputies to train for real-world scenarios such as close-quarters response, pursuit-to-building transitions, and elevated shooting positions.
“This Tactical Training Facility gives our deputies and specialized teams the space and tools they need to train the way modern law enforcement requires,” said Sheriff Robert Hardwick. “It also allows us to train alongside our city, state, and federal partners, which makes everyone safer. This award reflects the County’s commitment to public safety and the strong support we receive from the Board of County Commissioners and our community.”
The Northeast Florida Regional Council has served the region since 1977 and includes Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Putnam, Nassau, and St. Johns counties, along with 25 municipalities. Its Regional Awards of Excellence recognize projects that strengthen communities and advance collaboration across Northeast Florida.
To learn more about this and other capital improvement projects, visit the Featured Projects web page.
Stay informed of more St. Johns County news by subscribing to our e-newsletters and learn how we’re shaping our community’s future by advancing the SJC Strategic Plan through the Office of Public Affairs.
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