Nov. 19, 2010

HARRISBURG –  In addition to celebrating the graduation of 40 cadets from HACC’s 98^th Municipal Police Academy, the college honored State Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola, R-15, for his efforts and ongoing commitment and support of the region’s first responders. 

Nancy Rockey, HACC vice president of college and community development and interim vice president of the Harrisburg Campus, presented Piccola with a framed architect’s rendering of a new law enforcement complex at the Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center (PSC) during Friday’s ceremony at the Dauphin County Technical Center.

Rockey then announced the complex will be named in Piccola’s honor.Others joining Rockey for the presentation and announcement included Andrew T. Verbos of Susquehanna Township Police Department, class president, and Chad Michael Shifflet, technical sergeant with the USAF 193^rd Special Operations Wing Security Forces, class vice president.

 “Sen. Piccola’s tireless efforts on behalf of the PSC have contributed significantly to HACC’s ability to ensure the successful completion the first phase of a master plan to expand and upgrade the 12-acre complex,” said Rockey.

“I am deeply humbled by this announcement today and have been pleased to advocate on behalf of our first responders including our law enforcement community throughout my entire tenure in the Legislature. As a public servant, I know nothing is more important and essential than the work you do to protect our citizens as well as the training provided by this fine institution,” said Piccola.  “Rest assured, you have my continued support in the future and that I am on your side for there is no higher priority than the core service of public protection.”

The PSC master plan identifies four distinct phases of expansion over a 20-year period. The first phase, targeted for completion in 2012, includes a state-of-the-art, 25-lane indoor firing range in a new law enforcement complex; renovation of the six-story fire training tower, smoke structure and burn building; an expanded parking lot; and additional training sites for Hazmat and other emergency situations. The second, third, and fourth phases expand the current capabilities of the center into new realms of technology and training possibilities with timetables and projected costs to be determined after the first phase is completed.

Piccola, a Dauphin County native, has represented the 15^th senatorial district since November 1995, after previously serving in the House of Representatives for 19 years. In the House, he chaired the Judiciary Committee and led the Special Session on Crime where 37 new laws were created to enhance public safety. Piccola currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. 

 More than 30,000 of the region’s first responders and healthcare workers are trained annually at the PSC, adjacent to the Harrisburg Campus.