News Detail

Franklin County Shows Support For Future First Responders With Simulator Purchase

Commissioners

August 14, 2026

Pictured (from left): Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery, Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst, Franklin County Career & Technology Center Assistant to the Director Albert Parrillo, Administrative Director Lesli Shuman, Principal Dwight Munson, Franklin County Human Resources Director Tiffany Bloyer and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – On Wednesday, the Franklin County Commissioners invested in the workforce of tomorrow, awarding $100,000 in grant funding to the Franklin County Career & Technology Center (FCCTC) to purchase a 911 simulator system. In doing so, the commissioners demonstrated the county’s commitment to education and to inspiring a new generation of well-trained first responders.

The 911 simulator provides students in FCCTC’s protective services program with hands-on training in a state-of-the-art system that replicates the dynamic environment of a real emergency dispatch center. Using the simulator helps students hone practical skills in emergency communications and build proficiency and confidence in high-pressure scenarios. The simulator is designed to facilitate career readiness in public safety disciplines and prepare students for careers in public safety, law enforcement, fire services and emergency medical response. The program receives strong support from FCCTC’s Occupational Advisory Committee as well as the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services.

The commissioners believe this advanced hands-on experience will inspire students to take greater ownership of their community and become more aware of public safety. They also see strong potential for building a future workforce of trained, motivated first responders – including those who may eventually join the county’s Department of Emergency Services or other public safety-related departments.

“There is a nationwide shortage of first responders, fire fighters and 911 dispatchers, and Franklin County is not immune to that trend,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Thanks to this simulator, FCCTC students will gain the essential skills and knowledge necessary to join the ranks of the hard-working, dedicated telecommunicators in our 911 center. We encourage these students to consider a career with Franklin County after graduation.”

Lesli Shuman, FCCTC administrative director, said, “The Franklin County Career & Technology Center sincerely thanks the commissioners for recognizing the workforce demand for trained law enforcement, emergency services and fire service professionals and for their financial commitment to supporting the successful launch of this critical continuing education program in Franklin County.”

Funding for 911 simulator system comes from unspent monies from the county’s IMPACT! Grant Program, which supported local nonprofits, municipalities and municipal authorities in their recovery efforts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.