For Hometown News
TREASURE COAST -
Through the new National Preparedness Institute, Indian River State College is taking the lead in public service education with up-to-the-minute training and consulting services in the public service sectors of law enforcement, homeland security, fire, emergency management, legal assisting and human services.
The institute is based at the college's Treasure Coast public safety training complex in Fort Pierce, a 50-acre living laboratory that has engaged public safety professionals from around the nation and world in mock disasters, simulations and exercises using the latest methods and technologies to keep the public safe.
NPI has already secured training contracts with Ineos New Plant Bioenergy in Vero Beach, to conduct emergency response to ethanol fires and hazardous waste operations and emergency response training, a report-writing consulting contract with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and will play a lead role in the 2012 Great Florida Fire School, a five-day training school for firefighters throughout Florida.
Additional one-day training programs are also in the works with local agencies in an effort to strengthen the local first responder workforce.
"The transition to the National Preparedness Institute was a natural one; after five years of partnership with Workforce Florida, IRSC recognized that Homeland Security is a developing industry with unique needs," said Evan A. Berry, assistant dean of public service education.
"As the National Preparedness Institute, Indian River State College will continue to serve organizations and individuals alike as a clearinghouse for education, research and training."
With direct input from businesses and public safety agencies across the nation, the NPI will provide relevant, cost-effective training and consulting services that reflect current needs and issues and boosts the knowledge, skills and abilities of public safety providers.
The institute will provide a pipeline of workers, entry-level to advanced, for the homeland security industry.
By developing responsive programs and curriculum, NPI will also become a resource for other colleges and institutions offering training in this field.
NPI will host conferences, seminars and workshops for professional development and lifelong learning, attracting public service professionals to the region and providing a cost-savings to local agencies that would normally pay to send employees to these out-of-town events.
For more information, visit www.tcpublicsafetytraining or call (772) 462-7975.