HAGERSTOWN, MD (September 21, 2022) – On September 20, 2022, Washington County Government, Washington County Division of Emergency Services, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington County Fire and Rescue Association hosted an open house and ribbon cutting for the Washington County Public Safety Training Center (PSTC). Representatives from each agency spoke regarding the positive impact the new Public Safety Training Center will have on the future generations of public safety in Washington County, Maryland.
On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, President Jeffrey A. Cline stated, “This facility will go a long way in training emergency responders in protecting you and perhaps, most importantly, training them to protect their lives while risking theirs for yours.”
Division of Emergency Services Director R. David Hays shared how “there is no other facility in Washington County that is positioned to provide a comprehensive and collaborative law enforcement, fire and EMS training platform from a single campus-style environment.” He then stated that once it is “fully built out and completed, students will be able to complete academic or classroom instruction in the morning, walking directly out the classrooms to the practical training structures that will put their academic education to work.”
After reflecting on the recent tragedy in Smithsburg, Sheriff Douglas W. Mullendore expresses the importance of the training center and its future by stating, “it is only because of the training we do with EMS and fire that we are able to successfully mitigate those types of circumstances. And, that’s why this facility and the continued buildout is so important to us. It allows us to protect you, the public, and that’s what is paramount.”
Kevin L. Lewis, Deputy Director of Administrative Services, emphasized the training center brings unification amongst our public safety staff. He shared, “We’re here to open new opportunities and work collectively to build out both a facility and a location where we can deliver unified public safety training and create a more unified public safety response force. That determines how successful we are.”
Lastly, G. Dale Fishack Jr., President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, shared that with a centralized public safety training center, “the citizens of Washington County, visitors to our county, and those traveling through our country will be assured there is a dedication to retain and develop fully trained, certified, and well-prepared personnel for any and all emergencies that may arise in Washington County.”
Following the ceremony, representatives from all five agencies as well as sponsors of the rooms proceeded outside for the ribbon cutting. Once commenced, the evening concluded with tours of the training facility.
Photos from yesterday’s event can be viewed on our Facebook page. To learn more about naming rights for the PSTC or additional giving opportunities, visit https://www.washco-md.net/pstc/.
For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at [email protected].
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