Communities receive grants for first responder training

Three communities have received grants totaling $239,000 for first responder training on handling overdoses, dangerous driving conditions and responding to active shooter situations, said an announcement from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Development (ADECA). 

“When the unthinkable happens, we rely on our first responders to provide life-saving assistance,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in an online announcement. “Our first responders are called on to do so much to serve and protect our communities, and this is training will help them more safely respond to emergency calls.”

The city of Cottonwood receives a $64,000 grant to treat opioid overdoses with Narcan. Training will be available to first responders in Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties. 

Dothan Police Foundation will receive $145,000 to train drivers of emergency vehicles on how to navigate road conditions. Training will be held on the driving skills pad at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center and will be available to first responders in Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties.

And the The Montgomery County Commission will receive $30,000 to obtain equipment for active shooter training, which will be available statewide to school resource officers as well as local, state and regional law enforcement officers.

“First responders should be provided with the training and equipment needed to handle life-threatening situations,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is glad to join Gov. Ivey in support of this training for law enforcement officers and other emergency responders.”