TEXAS CITY — College of the Mainland celebrated the opening of its new Public Service Careers Building Thursday, expanding training space for students pursuing careers in emergency management, paramedicine, fire service and law enforcement.

College President Dr. Helen Brewer told KGTX 7 the building is designed to prepare a broad range of public-safety professionals while giving students flexible pathways to advance their education.

“This public service careers building is dedicated to training our students” in several public-safety fields, Brewer said. “We’re able to train the whole gamut of public safety professionals in this building.”

The facility includes a climate-controlled, state-of-the-art firing range for law enforcement training and student instruction. Brewer said College of the Mainland also plans to offer community courses for people interested in firearm safety and use.

The college is also preparing to launch a basic peace officer program in January 2027 through a partnership with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office. Brewer said enrollment is expected to begin later this fall, with classes starting around mid-January.

Students interested in law enforcement will be able to begin with a Level 1 certificate before continuing toward an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, according to Brewer. The structure is intended to let students return for additional credentials without losing previously earned credits.

The project was first discussed as part of the college’s campus-growth planning in 2021 and 2022. College trustees later moved forward with a general obligation bond, approved by voters in May 2023, to fund the Public Service Careers Building and other campus improvements.

Brewer also highlighted the college’s new bachelor’s degree in applied science and operations management. The program allows students to apply workforce credentials and certain applied associate-degree coursework toward a bachelor’s degree.

She said the building’s opening reflects community support for the college and its students.

“Today was just a wonderful event and a testament to all the work when everybody comes together,” Brewer said.