College of DuPage Proceeds with Phase II of Homeland Security Training Institute

College of DuPage is moving forward with plans to expand its training options for area emergency response agencies. The COD Board of Trustees at its Thursday, Oct. 17, meeting unanimously approved architectural and construction management contracts for building Phase II of the Homeland Security Training Institute.

Phase II will be located on the College's Glen Ellyn campus proximal to the current Homeland Security Education Center, built in October 2011.

The Phase II facility will provide much needed additional first responder instruction for advanced firearms training, interactive “shoot/don't shoot” simulation, and weapons cleaning/repair training. Multifunction instruction spaces, including state-of-the-art simulators, are included in addition to dual prep rooms for safety inspections, gear readiness and additional training monitoring. The total estimated cost of the project is $16 million with an expected completion of spring 2015.

“This new facility will address training needs that have been identified as critical and enable COD to continue its vision to serve as a national leader in emergency response instruction,” said College of DuPage President Robert L. Breuder. “The proposed facility's underground range will be perfectly safe, invisible to the surrounding area, silent and ‘lead free,' which will preserve the environment.”

There is currently a shortage of first responder training facilities in the Midwest region, and College of DuPage officials expect to draw trainees from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, and Michigan.

For more information, contact Joe Moore, COD Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at (630) 942-2371, email moorej7718@cod.edu.