Local officers, along with those from other counties come together for training
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

In a one-day comprehensive training, law enforcement officers from four counties including Ripley participated, along with jail officers and 911 dispatchers. This is an 18-credit hour state mandated training, according to Ripley County Sheriff Bill Davison.

The collective training, which was initially begun by Versailles Town Marshal David Adams and Sheriff Davison, has been ongoing for 13 years and offers law enforcement the opportunity to obtain the necessary training at one setting.

Those participating brushed up on their knowledge of SIDS, CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, Domestic Violence, AED re-certification, Mental Illness and Disability Awareness issues, along with Hazmat training.

Marshal Adams noted that having all the trainings in one day makes it "so much easier" for the officers. "It's better than having scattered training sessions throughout the year," he noted.

Those participating included officers from the Versailles Police Department, Ripley County Sheriff's Department, Ripley County Communications, Indiana Conservation Officers, Ripley County Jail Officers, Osgood Police Department, Sunman Police Department, Milan Police Department, Holton Police Department; Jefferson, Dearborn, and Ohio county sheriff departments. There were 63 in all.

Sheriff Davison noted that the training exercise has grown from a small office to the cafeteria at the South Ripley Elementary School. He noted that he would "love to see other departments take advantage of the training as well."

Sgt. Marvin Smith, who is the training officer for the Ripley County Sheriff's Department, was credited with much of the organization of the day-long event, and was assisted by Sheriff Davison, Marshal Adams, and Captain David Pippen, also of the sheriff's department.

Officers thanked the school for the use of the facility saying they can accommodate many more and look forward to other departments and counties taking advantage of the training. Refreshments for the day were provided by the Town of Versailles and the Ripley County Sheriff's Department.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Officers from Ripley and surrounding counties attended a one-day mandatory training at the South Ripley Elementary School Cafeteria.