Mayor Todd Strange Speaks at Groundbreaking Ceremony

State and city officials broke ground on the new emergency vehicle operation training center for law enforcement officers and other emergency vehicle operators. The multi-phase project is a public safety training partnership of the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and the city of Montgomery. “The training center will be beneficial by saving lives and equipment” said Mayor Todd Strange at the groundbreaking ceremony. APOSTC Executive Secretary Chief R. Alan Benefield noted that traffic crashes are the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths for law enforcement officers.

Training that will be offered to police officers, deputy sheriffs, state troopers and other operators of emergency vehicles will include:

•Defensive Driving – Basic non-emergency driving to include braking, turning and backing and off-road recovery.
•Pursuit Driving – When to initiate a pursuit, proper hand positioning, how to proceed safely while in a pursuit, collision avoidance and when to call off a pursuit.
•Tactical Vehicle Intervention – Stationary roadblocks, tire deflation, rolling roadblocks, etc.
•Emergency Response Driving – Title 32, clearing intersections, maneuvering techniques while in traffic, radio use while driving, and proper hand positioning.
•All Weather Driving – Skid recovery (skid pad and through use of skid car).
•Roadside Safety – Proper vehicle placement during traffic stops, proper Y-turn procedures, proper U-turn procedures.
•Motorcycle Operation – Classes for motorcycle officers for safe vehicle operation in all conditions.
•Executive Protection – Dignitary protection driving and vehicle operation to include motorcade driving.

Phase 1 of the project, which is tentatively set to be be completed within a year, will provide a safe and controlled area to teach new recruits. The project will teach driving fundamentals such as vehicle placement, vehicle positioning, backing, and skid avoidance. It will also include a building that will provide offices for the instructors and classroom facilities for the training of public safety personnel.

In the video, the mayor expresses the positive impact the project will have for the City of Montgomery and surrounding areas.