A.G. Gancarski
The Florida Senate slotted almost $6 million toward Phase 2 construction of a public safety training facility in Nassau County, a big chunk of the $17.5 million needed.
The money was secured by Sen. Aaron Bean, a Republican from Fernandina Beach. The appropriations request notes that the Northeast Florida Regional Public Safety Training Facility will serve not only first responders in Nassau County but also in surrounding areas.
The $5.95 million “will allow for enhanced capabilities of officers and firefighters within Nassau County and surrounding regional agencies that are currently not present by permitting routine refresher and remedial training in the county using the actual equipment used in service, and training regularly with co-workers and other agencies encountered in the field, as opposed to, mixed training units out of the county,” the funding request says.
The ultimate benefit: “Better capabilities that are relied upon by outside agencies to promote emergency operations for regional natural disasters, active shooter and other threats.”
And more ancillary benefits are also forecast.
“We anticipate a reduction in the overall crime rate and emergency response times for police and fire and rescue; a reduced reliance on outside agencies for training and support; new operational capabilities for the agencies that are currently not present; reduction in line of duty injuries and/or death with proper training. We also will be able to facilitate compliance with all annual continuing education and training for law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel.”
Mark W. Anderson is the lobbyist of record for this project.
