CAMDEN COUNTY OPENS MODERN EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER FOR FIRST RESPONDERS IN SOUTH JERSEY
For Immediate Release: October 9, 2008
Contacts: KEN SHUTTLERWORTH

Camden County has opened a new $10 million regional emergency training facility for firefighters and other first responders at the County’s Lakeland complex in Gloucester Township.

“This is an investment in public safety for Camden County residents,” said Freeholder Joseph Ripa, the seven-member governing body’s liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Safety. He added that the investment is accompanied by a business plan and model that supports the freeholders’ goal of producing a return on the investment by providing training services for an increasing number of private and public sector clients throughout the region.

Already, emergency personnel employed by Valero Oil and the Tasty Baking Co. receive training at the County’s fire training facility.

“Our goal is to expand the list of public and private sector clients and to achieve our goal of turning this magnificent new facility in to a self-sustaining enterprise,” Ripa added.

The new business model calls for an expanded partnership between the County Fire Marshal’s Office, the County Fire Chiefs and Officers Association and Camden County College that will produce many new online and distance learning training opportunities at this regional facility.

“The relationship between the regional emergency training center and the college sets the stage for more coursework in fire-fighting and emergency management, as well as for expanded opportunities for people interested in following a career path in these areas, including a new fire science degree program,” said Freeholder Riletta Cream, freeholder liaison to the county college.

"This new training center creates a unique opportunity for the College and the Academy to expand our relationship as we work even more closely to support the region’s need for degreed career fire fighters. Together we will increase access, provide a career ladder to a degree, and expand training options for the benefit of the entire region," said Raymond Yannuzzi, president of Camden County College.

Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said administrators and faculty will now be able to provide training on a regional basis thanks to grant from the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, which funds many worthy public projects and initiatives throughout the state.

“We believe the Camden County Regional Emergency Training Center will draw public and private entities from throughout southern New Jersey and the County anticipates that revenues generated from an extended offering of training services eventually will result in significant return on the taxpayers’ investment,” Cappelli added.

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