The Blair County law enforcement community has created a new association.
The Association of Blair County Law Enforcement, is represented by members of Federal, State, County, Municipal and Special Enforcement agencies, within the county and is made up of professionals dedicated to the enhancement of law enforcement training and technology.
ABLE is a non-profit, non-political organization that was created so that members to utilize the skills of individuals within the membership to enhance peer training. The main goal of the organization is officer safety. ABLE is organized exclusively for charitable purposes and was established as an organization of “law enforcement members by and for law enforcement members.”
With over 127,000 residents in Blair County and over 240 sworn law enforcement officers, ABLE’s mandate is to provide information, training and resources to its membership.
According to their brochure, ABLE’s goals statement is to “provide a forum for the exchange of current and relevant issues and information; provide and/or sponsor superior training programs; provide training assistance and support; and to become one of the largest non-profit organization in the state dedicated exclusively to personnel in all areas of law enforcement.”
The Association is presently working with the offices of Congressman Bill Shuster and Senator Robert Jubelirer to locate available funding for various training equipment, to include a computerized firearms training system. The system utilizes real life based scenarios that evaluates an officers response to actual situations.
Membership in ABLE is open to “current sworn law enforcement personnel or anyone employed by a government agency whose function of employment is to ensure public safety” or any honorably retired member of these agencies.
Meetings are currently being held at the James E. Van Zandt Medical Center at 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona. The director of the center has also authorized ABLE to utilize the police services training facilities.
The organization is currently in contact with the offices of Congressman Shuster and Senator Jubelirer regarding funding for training equipment. They are seeking initial funding of approximately $98,000.
All active and retired law enforcement personnel are encouraged to attend and participate.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to join by contacting: ABLE Secretary Paul Blanchard, c/o Police Services, James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, 2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.
