Public invited to join in free special event on Oct. 18
Oct. 7, 2008
HARRISBURG, PA – A display of modern and antique fire apparatus, canine rescue demonstrations, firearms training simulation, demonstrations of fire prevention tactics and tours of fire, police and emergency training quarters will mark the 20th anniversary of HACC’s Sen. John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center.
The public is invited to join in the free festivities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at HACC’s 12-acre complex of training facilities at Gate 5 (North Hall) on the Harrisburg Campus, One HACC Drive, across from the State Farm Show.
Activities also include the landing of the Penn State Life Lion helicopter, information on Fire Prevention Month and Car Care Month, blood pressure screenings, and a children’s ID station. Halifax Fire Co. will be selling chicken barbecue for visitors who get hungry.
The Public Safety Center was established in 1988 through a partnership between HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, and Dauphin County in response to a need for training facilities for fire, emergency medical service (EMS) and police personnel. In 2000, it was designated the Sen. John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center in honor of the late state senator who was instrumental in obtaining the support required to create the facility.
Today, the majority of central Pennsylvania’s municipal police officers, emergency responders and firefighters are trained and graduate from HACC’s Public Safety Center, earning state and national certification as well as credits toward an associate degree.
HACC’s Police Academy is the second largest in the state of Pennsylvania. HACC also operates a nationally recognized polygraph school that serves the northeastern United States.
"The Shumaker Public Safety Center provides a critical service not just here in the midstate but also for the U.S.” said Zoann Parker, dean of HACC’s departments of Public Safety Training, Workforce and Economic Development (WED) and Community Education.
“The strength of our programs reaches far and wide,” Parker added, noting HACC staff and graduates have been on-call to respond during crises. “Some staff members and graduates are on the emergency Pennsylvania Task Force One Urban Search & Rescue team and recently were called to the Texas coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.”
Programs at Shumaker Public Safety Center target four general areas, including law enforcement, fire/rescue, EMS/healthcare, and nurse aide. The center also provides response and safety training in business and industry environments. In addition to on-site training, many programs are offered throughout the region at locations convenient to students. The General Motors Automotive Service Education Program also is housed at the facility.
“Our staff and adjunct instructors work very hard to ensure our students receive the best possible training experience,” said Jerome E. Ozog, director of fire and EMS training. “Our bread and butter entry level classes provide an excellent foundation for new firefighters and EMS personnel.
“Our goal is to provide a safe, effective, and cost-efficient training environment for fire departments and EMS agencies,” he added.
Come celebrate the men and women who keep us safe, and find out more about the programs offered at the Shumaker Public Safety Center by attending the 20th Anniversary Celebration from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.
For more information, call 780-2510 or go to HACC's Public Safety Training page for program information.
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