Norfolk Southern Railroad joined Youngstown State University, the State of Ohio, the Village of East Palestine, and other federal, state and local partners to unveil details on the planned first responder training center in East Palestine, Ohio.
The first responder training center will combine realistic, hands-on training with higher education and workforce development to give firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical professionals and public safety students a chance to practice for rail related emergencies and other complex incidents. The center is made possible through a $20 million grant and four rail cars donated by Norfolk Southern.
“This training center is the result of extensive collaboration and a shared commitment to East Palestine and the first responders who protect communities across the region,” John Fleps, Norfolk Southern Chief Safety Officer, said. “We’re proud to provide a $20 million grant and donate four railcars to turn this vision into a sustainable resource where first responders and fire science students can build critical skills through realistic, hands-on training. Together, we are strengthening emergency preparedness today and helping prepare the next generation of first responders.”
Youngstown State University will design, construct and operate the center, and connect the specialized training with fire science, public safety and emergency response education. The center will be designed to bring academic instruction and hands-on experience together as a way to create opportunities for current responders to strengthen their capabilities and for students to gain experience for their public safety careers.
“Thanks to the strong partnerships at the state, local, and federal levels, the vision for this comprehensive first responder training center in East Palestine has grown significantly since we first announced this idea in 2023,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said. “With added support from Youngstown State University, this center will not only support first responders, but it will also help develop Ohio’s next generation of public safety leaders. Once built, it will draw people from all over the country to East Palestine, strengthening the local economy and encouraging continued revitalization of this resilient community.”