Findlay, Ohio, Aug. 27, 2002 — The Parkwood Church of God in Fort Wayne, Ind., has donated $1,600 to The University of Findlay’s Center for Terrorism Preparedness (CTP) so that Fort Wayne area schools will be able to receive, for free, a newly developed CD-ROM to provide appropriate terrorism training for all school personnel.

The Rev. Ben Keckler is pastor of the Parkwood Church of God and a member of the University’s Board of Trustees. His church designated its offering for two Sundays to help local schools receive terrorism training. He hopes the leadership of his church will inspire other such organizations to sponsor the CD-ROM training in other areas of the country.

The CD-ROM is designed in 10 sections based on job category, such as teacher, custodian, administrator or school nurse. Video scenarios are given for each job category, showing one or more scenes involving a suspicious incident or event. The result of an improper response is then discussed, and a checklist is given of the proper procedures and preparation for such incidents. This checklist can also be printed for reference, and a resource section presents relevant links for additional material.

The Center for Terrorism Preparedness is making the CD-ROM available to schools for only $145 plus $12 shipping. Additional copies purchased with the initial copy are available at $47 each.

Since 1986, The University of Findlay’s Environmental Resource Training Center has been training people to react in the best possible way in the worst possible scenarios. Three years ago, the University established the Center for Terrorism Preparedness to expand the focus of these programs to include threat assessment, preparation and response. In addition, in September 2001, the Center was named a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Center for Public Health Preparedness for Bioterrorism and Emerging Health Threats.

One of the primary areas of training to which the CTP directed its efforts was the issue of school safety and crisis management. In the process of evaluating training needs for schools, the CTP recognized that the normal chains of communication and command may be disrupted during a crisis situation, and training must be provided at all levels. The CD-ROM will assist in that training.

For more information or to view a vignette from the CD-ROM, visit the CTP Web site at www.nceem.org/terrorism/school.htm or contact Mandy Myers at borkowski@findlay.edu.