HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Washington County Division of Emergency Services has announced that the Public Safety Training Center project has been selected for Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending funding by the Senate Appropriations Committee. The project funding, requested by Senators Cardin and Van Hollen and Congressman Trone, was included in the first FY24 spending package, recently passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, securing an allocation of $1,000,000.
The funding will support the development and enhancement of the Public Safety Training Center, a crucial initiative aimed at improving emergency response capabilities and ensuring the safety and preparedness of our community. The Center serves as a vital hub for training programs, simulations, and exercises for first responders, law enforcement personnel, and emergency management professionals.
“We are honored and grateful to receive this significant funding allocation thanks to the work of Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressman David Trone,” said R. David Hays, Director of the Washington County Division of Emergency Services. “This investment will enable us to further strengthen our training infrastructure and better equip our emergency responders to handle various crisis situations effectively.”
“First responders are always on the front lines of an emergency; their rigorous training to protect others is only augmented by the right resources. Upgrading the Public Safety Training Center will enhance Washington County’s first responders’ ability to provide protection and safety in an emergency while keeping themselves safe. Team Maryland is committed to working together to bring critical resources to communities across the state,” said Senator Cardin.
The Public Safety Training Center project aims to enhance the training facilities, expand course offerings, and upgrade equipment to meet the evolving needs and challenges faced by emergency services personnel. The funding will support initiatives to enhance firefighting, hazardous materials response, emergency medical services, and search and rescue training, among others.
“Our police, firefighters, and EMS professionals run toward danger while others are running from it. The least we can do is provide the training and the tools they need to ensure they’re well-prepared when facing this danger head-on. That’s why we fought for this investment in Washington County’s public safety training facility – it will provide top-notch training for local emergency services personnel and to help them protect and serve their communities effectively,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to work with Senators Cardin and Van Hollen to secure this funding for the Public Safety Training Center, advancing our community’s safety and emergency preparedness and equipping our emergency personnel with the skills and tools necessary to protect our community more effectively,” said Congressman David Trone. “It’s a direct investment in our first responders and the security of every resident of Washington County – that’s what federal Community Project Funding is all about and Team Maryland is getting the job done.”
The Washington County Division of Emergency Services expresses its sincere appreciation to Congressman David Trone, Senator Van Hollen and other members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Cardin, and all stakeholders for their support and advocacy for this critical project.
For more information about the Public Safety Training Center project and its impact on the community, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at pr@washco-md.net.
