Talecris Biotherapeutics has donated $35,000 toward the project to build a Tactical Training Building on the Johnston Community College campus.

The 3,200-square-foot, four-story building will provide live scenario emergency responder training such as repelling, high-level rescue, and fire simulation for fire fighters, emergency medical personnel, and law enforcement officers.

The project is estimated to cost about $1 million and would complete the Public Safety Services Complex, home to the 27,000-square-foot Public Safety Services Building which houses the College's health and emergency services continuing education programs.

Patrick Harris, director of emergency services for the town of Smithfield, called the facility one-of-its-kind for the area and said it would increase the county's emergency responder training opportunities by 30 percent.

"What an exciting opportunity to partner with our corporate citizens to build a training facility that will serve literally hundreds of thousands of people for many years to come," Harris said. "Our public safety responders depend on the latest state-of-the-art training to prepare them for saving lives and protecting property. In addition, the emergency response teams organized by business and industry provide valuable "first response" and critical expertise in each unique industrial process."

JCC President Don Reichard said he hoped Talecris's support of the project would lead other community partners to step forward.

"We thank you for being such a strong community supporter of not only the Tactical Training Building but of the College," Reichard said. "You are a true partner and we really appreciate it."

Mary Kuhn, senior vice president of operations for Talecris, commented on the importance of industry partner support for the College.

"On behalf of all of our 4,500 employees, I am delighted that we are able to support the Foundation in this very important manner," Kuhn said. "It's critical that in these economic times we support the community to ensure its needs are fulfilled - particularly in the area of public safety."

Once construction begins, the facility is expected to take three to four months to complete.