The property was previously owned by Solae Co., a subsidiary of DuPont, and was purchased in January by the University of Louisville Foundation. The property includes 22 concrete silos as well as several buildings which were used to process soybeans into products including ink.
“We appreciate the University of Louisville making this property available for training,” said Lt. Ryan Bates, assistant commander of the SWAT team. “Our SWAT team is always looking for opportunities to improve our skills in different, real world locations and environments.”
UofL and the foundation are seeking funding to demolish the silos and buildings but offered to let police use the property for training in the meantime.
“President Ramsey is grateful for the dedicated work of the Louisville Metro Police Department to keep our community safe,” said Kathleen Smith, chief of staff to UofL President Dr. James Ramsey. “If the empty buildings and silos on the old Solae property can be used to help officers improve their skills, we are pleased to make the facilities available to them.”
Lt. Bates will be available for media interviews on Monday at the training site. According to Bates, the best time for video and photos of the training will be from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Sgt. Robert Biven is also available at 502-574-7682.
