SYLMAR : College Gets Grant to Study Safety Training

Mission College has received a $50,000 grant to more effectively coordinate the training of public safety officials, including law enforcement officers and firefighters.

The new program, called the Southern California Public Safety Education Training Consortium, would examine ways to consolidate training costs, said Gayle Brosseau, the project’s coordinator.

“Because all of our budgets are hurting, it really is perfect timing to get people working together,” Brosseau said.

According to Isidro Patino, the project’s chairman, more than 80% of all public safety training is run either in conjunction with or through community colleges. Of the 37 police academies in the state, only three are not affiliated with community colleges.

Under the program, a needs assessment would be conducted of public safety training classes at about two dozen regional community colleges. The classes include academy courses from entry level classes to command courses, as well as continuing education classes for working firefighters and police officers.