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| $1 Million Supports Corrections Training Center |
| By Wheeling News Register |
| Published: 10/03/2003 |
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U.S. Rep. Alan B. Mollohan, D-W.Va., has announced that nearly $1 million is on its way to Marshall County, W. Va. to help support and expand operations at the National Corrections and Law Enforcement Training and Technology Center. Mollohan, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, earmarked $993,540 for the center in the U.S. Justice Department's 2003 spending bill, and he was informed by Justice Department officials Thursday that the funds have been released. "In a relatively brief period of time, NCLETTC has established itself as a quality provider of training programs for our law enforcement, corrections and first responder agencies," said Mollohan, who since 1998 has secured more than $4 million to establish the center at the former West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville. Mollohan also commended the staff and administration of the center for the successes they already have achieved. "Executive Director Steve Morrison and the members of his team are true experts at identifying the needs of the public safety personnel who serve our communities and then tailoring programs that are specific to their duties," he said. "The redevelopment and reuse of the old penitentiary - for training and for tourism - is a real success story, and one in which the entire community can take pride.'' According to Morrison, most of the funding obtained by Mollohan will be used to develop a new program for first responders - a program that reportedly will build on the Mock Disaster exercises the center has sponsored the past two years. "The Mock Disaster has taught us that training and preparation are vital for a successful response and proper handling of disaster situations,'' Morrison said. "The development of the National First Responder Institute will allow NCLETTC to continue to provide professional-quality training to first responders from rural areas." According to Morrison, the monies will be used to purchase fire simulators and a Skidcar device, which is a training mechanism that allows first responders to practice driving emergency vehicles in dangerous conditions without the risk of an accident. Morrison further said the funds will be used for infrastructure on land where the National First Responders Institute will be built. Morrison said the exact location of the institute has yet to be determined, although two locations in Marshall County are currently being considered. Some of the money will also be used to construct a rubble pile for the training of canine units at the future site of the institute. Morrison said the remaining funds will go toward salaries and benefits for instructors and course developers, as well as to the center's distance learning program, which Morrison said will go online in about a week. |
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