HARRISBURG – Recognizing the importance of public safety training in the Commonwealth, Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) today announced a $440,000 grant has been awarded to the Emergency Response Training and Certification Association (ERTCA).

“Whether it’s a small town, big city or something in between, our communities are increasingly faced with a shortage of both law enforcement officers and first responders,” Owlett said. “This grant is an important investment in our communities, our citizens and our safety.”

Since 2019, ERTCA and the Mansfield University Public Safety Training Institute have worked in partnership to create the first credentialed and integrated public/private law enforcement cadet and workforce education and training program and facility.

The funding will be used for completing the integration of educational and in-service programs developed and delivered in partnership with ERTCA’s more than 40 members, partners and sponsors. It would allow for the completion of upgrades to cadet classrooms and workforce training facilities at The Coolidge Center.

In addition, ERTCA has plans to expand virtual reality (VR) labs and develop Mobile VR Experience (MVRE) labs for the Pennsylvania law enforcement workforce and Act 120 cadet training and credentialing throughout Pennsylvania. Additionally, ERTCA will launch a digital literacy and communications lab for law enforcement, in-service programs and Act 120 cadet education and training.

ERTCA is a Pennsylvania-based 501c6 nonprofit that works with corporations, academic institutions, and state and federal granting organizations to transform law enforcement education, training and innovation. ERTCA’s free workforce education programming is conducted both in-person and via distance learning in an effort to standardize educational outcomes that produce more reliable data that reduce the overall risks to public safety.

The funding was awarded through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a Commonwealth grant program that supports the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. All RACP projects require a 50% match of funds from the grant recipient.