YOUNGSTOWN Sheriff seeks more for civilian corps

Classes begin Jan. 5 and last until early March.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning County Sheriff's Department is looking for 50 men and women it can mobilize in the event of an emergency or a terrorist attack.
"The availability of a rapid deployment force in the event of a terrorist attack is crucial to law enforcement," Sheriff Randall A. Wellington said Friday. "It's important to have a well-trained citizens corps to assist immediately in the event of a crisis."
Wellington said he has about 50 openings for his department's 2004 Citizens Police Academy. The program, split into two classes, is limited to 75 or 80; so far, roughly 25 have signed up.
He said Mahoning County residents can apply online at mahoningsheriff.com or by calling (330) 480-5038.
The 40-hour course, available at no cost, is designed to accommodate people who can either attend weekdays only during evening hours or only on Saturdays. Classes begin Jan. 5 and end in early March.
The academy is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which has provided funds, roughly $200, for notebooks, Wellington said.
Topics covered
Classes include firearms training, traffic enforcement, self- defense, radio communication, report writing, first aid, crime-scene investigations, hostage situations, special operations and much more.
Academy students will learn how to evacuate an area, block certain intersections, and use a baton to direct traffic, the sheriff said. If a mass arrest situation arises, they can help process prisoners, he said.
A party is given at the end of the academy, and certificates will be awarded. Those who pass a background check also can be considered for a civil deputy commission, Wellington said.
Previous course
Last year, the sheriff's department graduated 80 residents from its first police academy.
At that time, the classes were made available only to men and women who had civilian deputy commissions, but this year the program is available to everyone, Wellington said.
Maj. Michael Budd said "tabletop" exercises that demonstrate potential hazardous material spills and deployment of security personnel will be presented by Walter Duzzny, executive director of the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency, and Boardman Fire Chief James Dorman.
Budd said police academy graduates can be used to aid law enforcement in searches, such as the one in Texas after the space shuttle exploded earlier this year. Shuttle debris was stretched out over hundreds of miles.
Students will learn how to shoot a .40-caliber Glock, provided by the sheriff's department. They are required to bring their own ammunition, 50 rounds, Budd said.
meade@vindy.com