York County Regional Training Center and York County Community College Collaborate

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The York County Regional Training Center, 79 First County Way in Alfred.

By Tammy Wells

Put together a forward-looking county government and a forward-looking community college – both intent on ensuring the safety and health of York County residents through training and education, and it’s a winning combination.

Now, with classes commencing at York County Regional Training Center in Alfred, the two will further formalize their relationship, inking a Memorandum of Understanding on January 21 that lays out cost sharing, facility use, curriculum development and more, said York County Regional Training Center Director Roger Hooper.

In practical terms, the relationship between the college and the county government aims to provide top notch training for new and existing public safety professionals – fire and emergency medical personnel, law enforcement including police, correctional officers, and public safety dispatchers – helping municipal departments fill critical vacancies that have developed over the last several years.

“This MOU formalizes the collaborative approach we’ve taken from the very beginning – bringing together York County, our public safety agencies, and York County Community College,” said York County Manager Greg Zinser. “By establishing programming at the York County Regional Training Center, we’re creating a shared framework that supports high-quality training, professional development, and long-term capacity for public safety across York County.”

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of first responders and public safety professionals right here in York County,” said York County Community College President Michael Fischer. “By combining YCCC’s academic expertise with the County’s investment in modern training facilities, we are creating clear, accessible pathways into high-demand careers that serve and protect our communities.”

The MOU builds on years of collaboration between the college and the county government and positions the York County Regional Training Center as a hub for coordinated high-quality public safety education. The MOU supports future growth, including expanded program offerings, shared staffing models, and joint pursuit of grants and workforce development resources.

A firefighting training program, held primarily on weekends, began earlier this year. First responder resilience programming begins later this month. An emergency medical technician program offered by YCCC begins in early February – and is free to Maine residents, offered at no cost through a Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce grant and the Maine Jobs and Recovery Program. Law enforcement preservice training is being scheduled, and more.

Hooper, the training center director, put it this way: “This is the next evolution to bring accredited programs to first responders.”