This training center is a state-of-the-art facility where CBP and other law enforcement officers will learn advanced firearms and defensive tactics to effectively manage difficult situations encountered on the job. When complete, the training center will be able to train 12,000 law enforcement officers each year.

Photo Credit: Gerald L. Nino

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, left, and Commissioner Robert C. Bonner officially open the CBP Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry, W. Va. At right is Thomas Walter, assistant commissioner of CBP’s training and development office.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony Commissioner Robert C. Bonner talked about the birth of the training center from an idea in 1999. In 2000 U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd added $24.9 million to begin construction and in 2001, CBP received the administrative use of 60 acres in West Virginia near the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park from the U.S. Department of the Interior. CBP then purchased 44 privately held acres adjoining the tract resulting in a 104-acre parcel.

Commissioner Bonner called the center “the place where we will train the trainers and develop the leaders who will carry out our law enforcement and anti-terrorism missions at our nation’s borders. This facility—itself—will be a unifying force, designed to bring all of CBP’s components together to learn about—and from—each other.”

One of a kind

This is the only training facility owned and operated by CBP, and will include a defensive tactics training center where officers can learn advanced techniques in the use of force, firearms, and the collapsible force baton. There are practical exercise environments including a land border crossing; an airport arrival area; a building that can be configured as an urban hotel/motel/warehouse; and a lake to practice marine law enforcement, water safety and survival and the operation of marine vehicles. There is an armory and a state-of-the-art firing range complex; an administrative building with an auditorium, eight classrooms, a computer lab and a resource library; and a welcome center.

CBP’s specialized teams such as the mobile response teams, the passenger analysis units and the marine interdiction teams will also train here. These teams will learn advanced tactics on preventing the entry of terrorists, terrorist weapons, drugs, smugglers and other criminals.

Cutting the ribbon

In the audience for the ceremony were Don Campbell, Superintendent of the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park; Jim Willis, Deputy Director of the National Conservation Training Center—the Shepherdstown training facility for the Fish and Wildlife Service; staffers from West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd’s staff and from the appropriations committees; local officials and community leaders.

The ceremony opened with the presentation of the colors by the CBP color guard, the national anthem sung by Jose Patch, and the opening invocation by the Rev. Dr. Alex L. Lambert Jr.. Assistant Commissioner Thomas Walter from the Office of Training and Development introduced Commissioner Bonner.

Commissioner Bonner recognized a number of people in the audience. One of the “neighbors” he recognized was Cam Tabb. Mr. Tabb kept the grass mowed—free of charge—until the staff became more established and could take over that task.

Senator Byrd’s moment

After his remarks Commissioner Bonner introduced Senator Byrd by citing a quote from former Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn: “It has been said that great men are like eagles. They do not flock together. You find them one at a time…soaring alone…using their skill and their strengths to reach new heights and to see new horizons.” Bonner added, “such a man—and such an eagle—is Robert Byrd.”

In his remarks, Sen. Byrd said, “The state-of-the-art training offered at this Harpers Ferry Advanced Training Center will ensure that Customs and Border Protection and other law enforcement personnel are trained in the proper use of lethal force and various other means to protect themselves, their colleagues, and the American public from terrorists and the weapons of terror; from ruthless drug dealers; and from all others who would violate our customs and immigration laws.”