BCC Breaks Ground on Alan Holden Public Safety Center
Brunswick Community College (BCC) celebrated a major milestone on Friday with the groundbreaking of the new Alan Holden Public Safety Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to transform public safety education and workforce development in the region.
The 28,278-square-foot facility, set to begin construction on February 3, 2025, and be completed by March 2026, will be a hub for cutting-edge training and education. It will house specialized labs and training spaces, including a VirTra Simulator, moveable wall tactical firearm room, self-defense and arrest techniques mat room, driving simulators, EMS scenario training rooms, and an apparatus bay. These resources will enable students and local professionals to train in real-world scenarios, enhancing their preparedness for public safety careers.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a monumental step forward in Brunswick Community College’s mission to meet the growing needs of our community,” said Dr. Gene Smith, President of BCC. “The Alan Holden Public Safety Center will provide top-tier education and training opportunities for students and support in-service training for our local law enforcement officers, fire, and rescue personnel. We are deeply honored by Alan Holden’s generosity and his trust in BCC to carry forward a legacy of excellence and service to our community.”
The center will offer comprehensive programs to support students and public safety professionals, including Associate in Applied Science degrees in Criminal Justice Technology, Emergency Medical Science (EMS), and Public Safety Administration with specializations in Corrections, Law Enforcement, and Emergency and Fire Management. It will also house 911 Communication and Operations training and offer diploma, certification, and continuing education programs, such as Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and various firefighter training courses.
Sheriff Brian Chism emphasized the center’s far-reaching impact: “This project is a game changer for the safety and well-being of the people of Brunswick County and beyond. The Alan Holden Public Safety Center will provide invaluable training resources for public safety professionals, ensuring they are prepared to protect and serve at the highest level. We are grateful to both Mr. Holden and BCC for their continued contributions to and support of our community.”
With its focus on training the next generation of public safety professionals and enhancing workforce readiness, the Alan Holden Public Safety Center is poised to be a cornerstone of community safety and service for years to come.
February 2025
