York County government, community college, celebrate York County Regional Training Center partnership

ALFRED, Maine – Come spring, Advanced Life Support and Pediatric Life Support training programs will be in place at York County Regional Training Center. Advanced EMT classes and labs are ongoing now at the new facility. Firefighting classes are happening. Law enforcement classes are scheduled. A citizens academy that gives residents a look at policing meets there weekly.

The decades-long dream of a centralized location for all manner of first responder training  is now a firm reality.

And a couple of old friends have teamed up to offer it all, together.

The relationship between York County government and York County Community College began several years ago. Now, it is stronger than ever, with the signing of an agreement that further formalizes their relationship.

“I call it taking a handshake agreement and turning it into a true partnership,” said YCRTC Director Roger Hooper as York County Manager Greg Zinser and YCCC President Michael Fischer put their signatures to paper on Jan. 21.

What it means is that YCRTC instructors will be guiding firefighter training outside at the drill tower, sharpening their skills in safely rescuing a person trapped inside a burning building. Back inside the vast training center, YCCC instructors in an EMS lab outfitted with patient mannequins and a mock ambulance, will be leading another class. A real jail cell will be a tool to aid those training as corrections officers, and other instructional equipment, like a dispatch console, is being considered. There’s a decontamination unit, an auditorium, and much more.

The collaboration is a system that works, those involved say.

“(This agreement) represents years of collaboration, careful planning and a shared belief that the best way to serve our communities is to invest in the people who protect them,” said York County Manager Greg Zinser. “These agreements define roles and responsibilities, but more importantly, they align our missions.”

“When public entities work together with clarity and purpose, our communities are stronger,” said York County Community College President Michael Fischer. “By aligning the County’s facilities and expertise with the College’s educational offerings, curriculum review processes, and assessment standards, we are able to ensure consistent, high-quality learning experiences that support education in fire safety, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and related public safety fields in a way that is coordinated and intentional.”

Richard Clark is in his ninth year as a York County Commissioner and previously served 18 years as a Wells selectman – and he pointed out, in both levels of government, the hiring and retention of public safety personnel figures largely.

“Training is continuous,” Clark said. So when commissioners learned York County would be awarded $40 million under the American Rescue Plan Act – what they knew would be a once in a lifetime award – they sought community input and mulled several projects.

Ultimately the board decided on two major projects: a first responder training center and a separate substance use treatment and recovery center – the latter currently under construction –  as well as  providing financial support for in-house projects and for initiatives by area nonprofits.

“We knew we wanted to do something to benefit all of York County,” said Commissioner Donna Ring.

YCCC Criminal Justice Program Chair Tim Burton said the new first responder facility helps expand the college footprint further into the county – Alfred is the geographic center of York County.

“(It gives) York County residents greater access to courses,” Burton said. “It increases opportunities.”

The training center is a $24 million project, funded with a combination of ARPA money, congressionally directed spending funds, grants and county funds.

York County Regional Training Center is at 79 First County Way, off Route 4 and Layman Way in Alfred. More information, including upcoming course opportunities, is at: Regional Training Center | York County Maine Government

An open house is planned for later this year.

SIGNING (Top Left):

York County Community College President Michael Fischer and York County Manager Greg Zinser signed a memo of  agreement as YCRTC director Roger Hooper looks on. The signing on Wednesday Jan 21 at York County Regional Training Center furthers the existing educational partnership between the entities.

AMBULANCE (Top right): 

York County Community College President Michael Fischer, right, checks out the mock ambulance at York County Regional Training Center, while center director Roger Hooper points out a piece of equipment on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

DRILL HALL (Bottom Left):

York County Regional Training Center director Roger Hooper points out features of the drill hall to reporters and others during a tour.

YCRTC (Bottom Right):  York County Regional Training Center is up and running.