see also: in May 2008:   Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Announces State of the Agency   CBP to Issue New Frequent Traveler Cards   Ecstasy and Methamphetamine Seized at Ambassador Bridge   CBP Races to Secure NASCAR’s Monster Mile   CBP Air and Marine Agents Interdict Migrants in Florida at the Start of Memorial Day Weekend   Border Patrol Agents Rescue 51 Illegal Aliens from Tractor Trailer ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Harpers Ferry, W.Va. — The newest components of the 124-acre Advanced Training Center (ATC) were officially dedicated on Friday, May 30, with a ribbon cutting for the Firing Range Complex and ground breaking for the Leadership Academy.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner W. Ralph Basham and Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV), along with Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Training and Development Thomas J. Walters and invited guests took part in a ceremony that included the traditional signing of a lowered Firing Range ceiling beam by Commissioner Basham and Senator Byrd.

The day’s events also included a video presentation of the ground breaking, which took place earlier at the Leadership Academy site.

Also presented were celebratory coins minted for the occasion, emblazoned with the CBP seal on one side and a patriotic etching of West Virginia on the other.

“Today’s ceremony holds great significance for CBP,” said Commissioner Basham. “In this age of global terrorism, it is essential that those sworn to protect the borders of our nation are fully trained and prepared to do so. We are extremely proud of this first-rate training facility, which would not exist were it not for one single driving force—Senator Robert C. Byrd.”

The ceremony provided a first-hand opportunity for guests to see the Firing Range Complex featuring five different ranges designed for rifles and handguns, additional classrooms, weapon cleaning areas, and firing range control rooms.

“The law enforcement officers who guard the nation’s borders and enforce our trade laws face unique situations and dangers,” said Senator Byrd. “It is more important than ever for these agents, officers and other employees to receive specialized training to help them succeed in their critical homeland security mission.”

The new ATC Leadership Academy will provide a full range of training for officers and agents and the more than 600 new supervisors CBP adds to its ranks each year.

The Advanced Training Center is designed to serve the specialized needs of CBP. Officially opened in August 2005, the ATC provides learning environments that emulate the gamut of CBP’s operating environments and includes facilities that are identical to the land, sea, and air ports of entry, as well as open areas and water features found along the border between the ports of entry.

Owned and operated by the Office of Training and Development, the center provides firearms and intermediate force training, and advanced training to CBP employees throughout the agency.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.