The first-of-its-kind facility will equip first responders with expertise to handle routine and complex emergency situations

On Thursday, September 21, Norfolk Southern broke ground on a new regional safety training center for first responders. Located in East Palestine, Ohio, the center will provide free, ongoing training on a wide range of emergency scenarios including specialized training for transportation-related incidents. This expertise will lead to strengthened coordination between railroads and first responders in emergency situations.

$20 million investment will provide long-term support

Norfolk Southern will invest at least $20 million in the new center as well as cover operating costs for the center over the next 10 years. The center will operate through a partnership with the Village of East Palestine, at no cost to the Village or taxpayers. In addition to emergency training, the facility will also be the new home for the East Palestine Fire Department.

Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan H. Shaw spoke at the groundbreaking and explained value of supporting first responders in the region. “First responders are the true heroes,” said Shaw. “What we are going to build here is something that reflects my appreciation for the first responders in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia who helped this community.”

Alan Shaw speaks to those gathered at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Norfolk Southern Vice President of Safety John Fleps expressed gratitude for the strong partnership between Norfolk Southern and East Palestine. “Collaboration is important to our safety culture and central to how this project is being designed. Norfolk Southern is excited to work closely with the East Palestine Fire Department,” said Fleps. “Chief Drabick has a vision for this center, and we are going to deliver so we both have something we are proud to show the community now and long into the future.”

Wide range of trainings will be offered

The state-of-the-art facility will offer full-time and volunteer first responders training options including, classroom and web-based resources, tabletop drills, and full-scale emergency response scenarios. This center will build on the company’s Operation Awareness and Response (OAR) program, which trains 5,000 first responders annually across its 22-state footprint.

“The facility is going to be world-class in nature,” said Fleps. “It will provide training for first responders of all kinds and for our own employees on all types of emergencies.”

Shaw and Fleps joined East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway, East Palestine Fire Chief Keith Drabick, State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel, and State Senator Mike Rulli, as well as local firefighters and police officers for the ceremonial first dig.

Left to right: State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, Trent Conway, Alan Shaw, Chief Keith Drabick, State Sen. Mike Rulli, and John Fleps participate in the ceremonial first dig.

Chief Drabick said the new facility will play a vital role in helping all first responders, especially volunteers, get the training and expertise they need to respond to emergency scenarios.

Rep. Blasdel believes that training will help protect communities across the region. “I am confident that the training that happens right here in East Palestine, Ohio will save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives for years to come.”

Training center will provide economic boost for region

Shaw highlighted how the training center will positively impact the region’s economy. “This is going to be a facility that draws first responders from all over the region for multiday training and will help contribute to the overall economic vibrancy of this community.”

Chief Drabick spotlighted the benefits of the center to East Palestine. “It’s going to create jobs. It’s going to bolster the economy,” he said. “The center symbolizes the collaborative effort and spirit of East Palestine,” said Chief Drabick. “It’s a shining example of what we can achieve when we unite with a shared vision for our community's betterment.”

This boost in economic activity, coupled with a $500,000 grant recently awarded to the village by Norfolk Southern, underscores the company’s commitment to invest in East Palestine for the long haul. 

To date, Norfolk Southern has committed $95 million to East Palestine and the surrounding communities. Learn more at: NSMakingitRight.com.  

Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and conciseness.