Only a few weeks until Lowell is demolished, the Tacoma Police Department (TPD) SWAT Unit uses the old Lowell Elementary to conduct training. Lowell is set to be demolished next month. This is a great environment for the officers to conduct building search and rescue training that allows them the opportunity to train and hone their skills in a realistic venue, making them more effective in the field.

The Tacoma Police Department's SWAT team is a special team that is trained to respond to high-risk situations that are beyond the capabilities of first responders. 

In addition to TPD, the Tacoma Fire Department and Northwest Disaster Search Dogs have also taken advantage of the old Lowell to conduct building searches and mock drills.

Lowell is just one of eight schools replaced or modernized, thanks to a construction bond approved by voters in 2020. Lowell students attend school at the West End swing site (the old Skyline Elementary campus) for the next two years while their new school takes shape. Demolition prep for Lowell starts this December, with construction of the new school expected to run from 2025 to 2026.