A central Wisconsin landmark is scheduled to be torn down this coming week, but before it goes, some local authorities are putting it to good use.

The Plover and Whiting Metro Fire Departments used Whiting's old school house for rescue training today. Firefighters say the building is much stronger than most they enter, giving them a unique environment to train in.

"This is what we classify as a commercial type building, so it's built a little stronger than a residential home, and it gives us a better feel on how we can gain access to places that are harder than a residential establishment," said Assistant Fire Chief Matt Schoonover.

The fire departments worked with NewPage Paper Mill for this training to happen. The company currently owns the building, and gave the firefighters permission to break down windows and walls for the special rescue drills.