By Jennie Baar, D.M., executive dean of the School of Public Service at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College
As the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 approaches, I find myself reflecting not only on that day, but on the tremendous preparation that takes place to ensure our country, state and local communities have first responders who are prepared to help others no matter the severity or nature of the emergency.
Community colleges like HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, occupy an essential role in this work. We are, by design, rooted in the communities we serve. That proximity matters. When emergencies happen in Central Pennsylvania, the people who respond are very often trained here.
In my role at HACC, I have the privilege to support the training environments that prepare the next generation of first responders: firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officers and other public safety professionals. I see firsthand how these soon-to-be professionals learn the skills to practice in realistic scenarios in all conditions.
HACC not only serves as the entry point for first responder training, but we also support the necessary continuing education these professionals need to grow and develop throughout their careers.
HACC’s commitment to public safety training also extends through our partnerships with regional and national response teams. HACC is a key training partner with the South Central Task Force, a multi-county emergency management coalition that coordinates preparedness, planning and response across our region. Through this partnership, our facilities and employees support training exercises that bring together fire, emergency medical services, law enforcement and emergency management professionals to train as they would respond: together.
Additionally, HACC plays an important role supporting PA Task Force 1 (PA-TF1), one of the 28 Federal Emergency Management Agency urban search and rescue task forces that can be deployed to major incidents across the United States. Members of PA-TF1 deployed to New York City on Sept. 11. HACC’s training grounds are one of the locations around the country used for urban search and rescue training. I have had the opportunity to participate as a patient actor and see firsthand how integrated multi-agency coordination is an essential component of the ongoing professional development training that prepares our region’s first responders.
Just as important as the practical skills, I have also seen how intentionally embedding opportunities to discuss physical and mental health during training helps prepare students for long careers. HACC’s programs emphasize that strength in these professions includes knowing when to seek help and how to support each other. Preparing students for sustainable careers in public service is as important as preparing them for their first call.
For example, our paramedic training program includes an immersive experience in which students engage in scenario-based training on campus from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. the next day, replicating the 24-hour shifts that many paramedics work. I have watched instructors coach students at 4 a.m. on how to provide high-quality patient care when experiencing fatigue.
The threats facing our communities continue to evolve. First responders today must be prepared for public health crises, cyber-related disruptions and increasingly frequent severe weather events. The need for well-trained, adaptable public safety professionals has never been greater. Community colleges like HACC are essential to meeting that need.
As we approach this solemn anniversary, we honor those who lost their lives and those who responded with extraordinary bravery. Every student who enters one of our public safety training programs is choosing a path that demands skills, discipline and a deep commitment to helping others. At HACC, our responsibility is to ensure that they are ready.