Our History

The first metal training tower was introduced to the Fire Service in 1980 by our founder, Bernard Padgett. Padgett’s general construction firm, Werner-Herbison-Padgett (WHP) had worked extensively with metal buildings when he was approached by a fire chief and asked to provide a metal structure for fire training purposes. After researching the metal building market he selected the strongest metal building he could find, a heavy-duty building composed of panels with compound corrugations to provide structural support. Recognizing the rugged demands inherent to fire training, he worked with the supplier to design a secondary support system of heavy-duty metal “cees”, providing a building with not just one, but two structural support systems.  For live fire training, WHP is the sole provider of this building.

Ever the pioneer, Mr. Padgett then began looking for a burn

"For 25 years, Streamwood Fire Dept. has put our WHP training tower through rigorous demands. Many hundreds of firefighters have benefited from training at our facility. We are proud to have been the first to offer realistic fire training, thanks to WHP Trainingtowers. Chief John Nixon Streamwood Fire Dept. Streamwood, IL

room lining material that would hold up when exposed to the repeated heat/cool cycles required for live fire training. He introduced Padgenite, a calcium silicate insulating material, and engineered an installation system to afford maximum insulating capability. WHP earned a solid reputation for quality and set a new industry standard for fire training. 25 years in the field have proven the wisdom of Padgett’s decisions.

In 1998, retired Fire Chief William Jahnke purchased WHP and relocated the company to Overland Park, KS. Bill’s 25 years of construction engineering experience, coupled with 25 years firefighting experience translate into a deep commitment to providing each and every fire service customer with the highest quality customized training building available on today’s market.

WHP has continued to lead the industry:

• First to introduce Brick Façade
• First to offer 5 year building warranty
• First to offer multiple burn room liners (Padgenite,Super-Padgenite, Duraliner)
• Only supplier to offer sealed seams for a weather-tight interior
• First to offer concrete flooring throughout the building
• Ongoing response to industry needs for new training tools ranging from moveable mazes to trench cut props to our new high-rise package

In 2002, WHP’s commitment to fire service ideals was recognized by the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce when we were honored as one of Kansas City’s Top Ten Small Businesses of the Year.

Our corporate goal “To positively impact fire training in the United States “ is further evidenced by our association with:

• International Association of Fire Chiefs (Gem Partner)
• National Fallen Firefighter’s Association
• National Fire Protection Association
• Sponsorship of training films being distributed nationwide by FETN

Today, as ever, our commitment to you, the fire service professional, remains central to everything that we do. To this end, we will continue to provide you the “best of the best”.