On Tuesday, February 25th, the community witnessed a remarkable milestone with the grand opening of the Manatee Technical College/City of Bradenton Law Enforcement Training Center at 38626 Taylor Road in Myakka City. The media day event, organized by the Manatee County School District, was a resounding success, bringing together local law enforcement, training experts, and community supporters for a day of celebration and innovation.
The ceremony kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with a ribbon cutting that set the tone for an inspiring event. Attendees were able to witness the facility’s impressive features that were showcased throughout the day. Highlights included live training sessions featuring the BPD SWAT Team and the ATV unit utilizing the expansive 300×600-foot driving pad. There was even a special appearance by one of the newest K9s in the department, and the buzz around one of the new drones on-site added a futuristic touch to the proceedings.
The state-of-the-art facility, which also includes a 50-yard pistol firing range, a 200-yard rifle range, a 1,000-square-foot simulated shoot house, observation towers with covered bleacher seating, a classroom building, and a dedicated firearms cleaning station, promises to elevate officer training programs for both the Bradenton Police Department and Manatee Technical College’s Law Enforcement Academy. It is clear that this center will play a pivotal role in preparing our local heroes to meet the demands of modern law enforcement.
Notably, key figures were on hand to share their vision and express gratitude. BPD’s Chief Melanie Bevan and Patrol Captain Brian Thiers, alongside Jay Romine, the Director of Law Enforcement at Manatee Technical College, provided insightful commentary on how the new training center will enhance the department’s capabilities and improve community safety. Their remarks reinforced the significance of such a forward-thinking facility.
We are proud to support initiatives that empower our law enforcement community. The success of this media day event underscores the collaborative spirit that drives progress in our region. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact this training center will have on our local officers and the community at large.
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