Ceremonial Groundbreaking Held for New Law Enforcement Academy
Niagara County Legislature Chairman Becky Wydysh, Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti and Niagara County Community College (NCCC) President William Murabito led a ceremonial groundbreaking today for the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy training facility at NCCC’s Sanborn campus.
“The Niagara County Legislature recognizes that we are very fortunate to have such a tremendous Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Filicetti, keeping our communities safe and we want to do all we can to support them,” said Wydysh. “When the Sheriff and NCCC leaders approached us about providing funding for a state-of-the-art law enforcement academy that would provide the best training available for those entering our local law enforcement agencies, the Legislature was quick to jump on board. We appreciate those who choose to pursue a career in law enforcement and this academy is an investment in them.”
Filicetti emphasized the importance of comprehensive preparation for all who enter law enforcement. “The expectations on the women and men in law enforcement have never been higher and the way we meet and exceed those expectations is through our training,” he said. “So, for recruits who attend the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy, we are putting together a facility that will have cutting-edge training, will provide simulations of real-world situations and will ultimately prepare them for a very challenging but rewarding career.
The sheriff also acknowledged the collaboration that moved the project forward. “I cannot say enough about the tremendous partnership between Niagara County Legislature, NCCC and the Sheriff’s Office,” said Filicetti. “When we relocated the NCLEA a few years ago, we did so with a vision to create a modern, dynamic academy to train our future law enforcement personnel, and today’s groundbreaking is the first step in that direction.”
“This new space will ensure that law enforcement education here in Niagara County is unparalleled within our region for years to come. Cadets who come here will receive training that incorporates the latest in technology and practice,” said Murabito. “The academy will create some fantastic opportunities for NCCC students pursuing degrees in criminal justice.”
Construction of the 15,000 square-foot building, located on the north side of the college’s campus, will feature classrooms with movable walls, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a reality-based training room and a use of force simulator. College officials anticipate that it will open in 2024.
Picture one, from left to right: Legislator Chris Voccio, Sheriff Mike Filicetti, Chairman Beck Wydysh and Legislators Rich Andres, Irene Myers, Tony Nemi and Randy Bradt.
Picture two, from left to right: Assemblyman Mike Norris, District Attorney Brian Seaman, NFPD Chief John Faso, Sheriff Filicetti, Chairman Wydysh, NCCC President Bill Murabito, NCCC Board Chairman Kevin Clark and Niagara Falls Mayor Bob Restaino.
