CDP celebrates 25 years of ‘Training the Best for the Worst”

The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) celebrated its 25th Anniversary June 7 with more than 300 people in attendance, including state and local officials, representatives from other national training organizations, and former employees.  

The formal remembrance included a framed letter from U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-R) presented to the CDP, which the representative entered into the Congressional Record.

The letter notes how “the Center’s unique training capabilities have prepared the nation’s responders to plan for, respond to and recover from disasters” since 1998, adding the congressman is “looking forward to witnessing the CDP’s continued service to the nation.”

The ceremony also included the recognition of six employees who have worked at the CDP since it first opened its doors, and remarks from Damon Penn, the Acting Assistant Administrator of FEMA’s National Preparedness Directorate.

“The CDP is focused on the day no one wants to think about,” said Penn.  

Because of that, “Those who train here are better able to respond when it counts,” he added.

The audience also heard from CDP Superintendent Tony Russell, who highlighted the fact the center has trained more than 1.3 million responders in the past 25 years.

 None of this could have been done without the support of the local community and “people – solid, professional people,” he said, before recognizing those in attendance who helped to build the CDP into what it is today.

A small reception followed the ceremony.

There was also a tour for those interested in seeing the CDP campus.