Since the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, law enforcement in this nation has changed. The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) quickly understood this new reality meant law enforcement training had to change, too. We recall that on September 12, Americans woke up with a renewed sense of patriotism born out of the necessity to ensure such tragedy never happened again. The newest building on our FLETC campus is named after September 12, 2001, and symbolizes that spirit as we train those who protect our homeland.
Last week, we opened Building 9/12, a state-of-the-art training facility that building significantly expands the current operations and capabilities of our headquarters in Glynco, Georgia to provide exemplary training to our law enforcement in the face of a rapidly changing threat environment. The building is also as a symbolic gesture representing our country’s evolution immediately following September 11, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and honoring those who choose to become law enforcement officers and agents in the service of our nation.
More than 150 FLETC employees, partner organizations, community leaders, and congressional staffers joined me as we recognized the significant effort that went into the design and construction of this building.
This new building also expands FLETC’s capacity and flexibility to host special events, graduations, and summits, while also offering opportunities for cost savings. As a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver construction project, this building is environmentally efficient, and even features a “living pond” that collects, filters, and holds 100 percent of the facility’s own storm water.
Building 9/12 pays a special and unique tribute to the nobility of the law enforcement profession through four memorial and historical displays, including FLETC’s 9/11 Memorial; the FLETC Graduates Memorial; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Canine Memorial; and the Glynco Historical Display, which tells the story of Glynco’s evolution from an operational naval air station during World War II to the headquarters for our nation’s largest law enforcement training facility.
Today, Building 9/12 stands proudly on the grounds of the FLETC as a living testament to the Department’s leadership and evolution. Together as one DHS, we adapt to and proactively address emerging threats, we support our partners’ needs, and we advance the nation’s homeland security goals.