State Preparedness Training Center Launches Facebook Page

ALBANY, NY (10/14/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC) in Oriskany, Oneida County, today launched a Facebook page designed to provide law enforcement officers, first responders, and government officials with up-to-date information on SPTC training events.

The SPTC Facebook page will also provide the public with information about State training initiatives and stories of interest.

"We are always looking for new avenues to communicate with those we serve," said James M. Sherry, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and Director of the Office of Counter Terrorism. "And the popularity of Facebook makes it an ideal channel for us to connect with the public and New York's first responder community, and to help spread information about the State Preparedness Training Center and its many excellent programs."

The SPTC Facebook page can be found on the internet by typing "New York State Preparedness Training Center" in the Facebook "Find people and more" search option. By clicking the 'Like' button on the SPTC Facebook page, anyone with a Facebook account can be added as a fan of the SPTC Facebook page.

Currently, the SPTC Facebook page contains photos and training course announcements, as well as historical information about the State's training center.

Since 2006, more than 14,000 local and State first responders have participated in training and exercises at the New York State Preparedness Training Center to gain the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from terrorist acts and other major incidents such as natural disasters. In 2008, the SPTC became one of just 22 national public safety academies accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

#####