Parkersburg-Wood Law Enforcement Training Center
The Building Continues To Serve
In 2004, the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force
worked with the Wood County Board of Education, reaching an astounding
agreement. The old Rayon School in south Parkersburg was purchased for
$1.00, and turned into a multi-functional law enforcement training facility,
bringing new life back to an area of town that had served its community for many
years.
Although the search for money to completely renovate this property is
ongoing, the facility is currently serving important functions for area law
enforcement agencies. S.W.A.T. and P.N.T.F. tactical training,
Parkersburg Police Substation, police canine training facility, classrooms, and
a gym for officers to work out in are just some of the
things going on at this site. The building and its grounds are used on a
daily basis by the Parkersburg Police Department, Wood County Sheriffs
Department, and the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force.
There are high hopes for future development of this facility and the continuation of a strong police presence in south Parkersburg. The funding for this property has come mainly from seized drug money causing the progress to be slow, but corporate sponsorship, homeland security money, and grant money are always being looked for to help complete this project.
Planning For The Future
If you would like to become a sponsor of this facility or donate money towards its completion, please contact Lt. Tom Welch of the Parkersburg Police Department (424-8459), Captain Rick Woodyard or Sergeant Shawn Graham of the Wood County Sheriffs Office (424-1834), or Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Ginny Conley (424-1776).
