PennSTART Hosts Inaugural Training Class
On August 12, 2023, PennSTART hosted their inaugural training class for the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) Traffic Incident Management Technical Specialist Certification.
PennSTART, a collaborative effort between the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) of Southwestern PA, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, PennDOT, and Carnegie Mellon University, recently held its first training class on August 12th, 2023, at the Westmoreland RIDC, Westmoreland County Community College Advanced Technology Center. The course offered the Fire Department Safety Officer Association (FDSOA) Traffic Incident Management Technical Specialist certification, conducted by members of the PennSTART Training Committee, including Marc Jackson, Director of Westmoreland County Community College Public Safety Training Center, and Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Specialist at Jacobs Engineering, and Deputy Director of Training for the Emergency Responder Safety Institute. The Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, Perryopolis, PA, assisted.
The FDSOA partnered with the Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) to provide a professional credential for individuals who wish to become a Certified Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Technical Specialist. Ten students, from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, PennDOT and area emergency responders participated in the certification course, including state-of-the-art virtual reality training to provide scenario-based discussion, a written certification exam, and nine hands-on skill stations. This certification is nationally recognized through the Pro Board and meets the highest standards of safety and professionalism, ensuring that those who hold this certification have met the industry's highest standards of safety and professionalism.
PennSTART's mission is to promote safety and transportation research in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Its efforts mark a significant milestone in the development of safety and transportation research in Pennsylvania. PennSTART addresses safety training and research needs in six key areas: traffic incident management (TIM), tolling and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technology, work zones, commercial vehicles, transit vehicles, and connected and automated vehicles. PennSTART's focus on safety and transportation research is crucial to developing Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure.
Congratulations to all involved in this significant safety and transportation research milestone in Pennsylvania!
