Police departments sometimes encounter dangerous and volatile situations where a stronger and more focused response is necessary. That’s the purpose of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams. These situations can take place anywhere and in order for SWAT to be properly prepared, they need to train in a variety of environments.
In a conversation with Rick Mellon, he revealed that SWAT from three departments, Millcreek Township Police, PA State Police and the City of Erie Police have all indicated their interest in using various portions of the old main buildings on the Mellon Center campus, which offer multiple floors and a wide variety of interior environments in one location, for training purposes. Mellon said the mission of the center is to provide support and services to veterans and first responders and this fits perfectly into that mission.
Currently, the Millcreek Police have committed to using the Mellon Center while details are being finalized with the other departments.
Several other very positive potential developments for use of the Mellon campus were discussed and are in the planning stages, but have not been formally agreed to at this point.