Northwest hosts GIS training for emergency responders, teachers and community leaders
March 1, 2004
Nancy Patterson

Fifteen area teachers, emergency responders and community leaders recently completed hands-on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology training through Northwest Mississippi Community College's Spatial Information Technology Application Program. Training was conducted Feb. 24 and Feb. 26 on Northwest¹s Senatobia campus by Dennis Campbell, president of Urban Tech Environmental Mapping. A primary objective for the training was to help local first responders and teachers formulate and design useful student GIS projects relevant to local 911 Emergency Services operations. This focus fulfills some of the proactive steps to increase Homeland Security activity in the Northwest service area. "I can see an easy and direct application for this technology right in Tunica," said Dick Taylor, who is developing a Global Positioning System (GPS) trail near the Tunica County Museum. Participants included Taylor, Tunica Fire Department and Tunica County Museum program director; Brian Hale, Senatobia Fire Department; Richard Hartley, director, Senatobia / Tate Co. VoTech; Sgt. Frank Contreras, Tunica Police Department; Christopher and Justin Houston, students and members of the Tunica Police Department Explorer group; Rip Copeland and Chris Olson, Batesville Fire Department; Arthur Biggers, Mt. Olivet Fire Department; Connie Hentz, technology applications instructor, Senatobia /Tate County VoTech; Ed Foresman, technician consultant with Batesville Police Department; Denise Vanucci, help desk coordinator at Northwest; Kitt Albritton, Special Populations coordinator at Northwest¹s DeSoto Center; Joyce Brasell, director of Northwest's Workforce Planning and Development; and Amanda Clanton, coordinator of Northwest's Tech Prep program.		Dennis Campbell, president of Urban Tech Environmental Mapping, works with Connie Hentz, technical application instructor for Senatobia Tate VoTech, at a GIS technology training workshop offered through Northwest Mississippi Community College's Spatial Information Technology Application Program Feb. 24 and 26. Representatives for area fire and police departments as well as high schools attended the seminar. (Photo by James Sorey)
The project was made possible through a joint venture with the Northwest Tech Prep Program and the Northwest Spatial Information Technology Application Program. "It's fascinating to watch the students and professionals work on the same type project," observed Brasell. "This supports Northwest's commitment for training to benefit participants and the community." Call Brasell at (662) 562-3458 for more information about the Northwest Spatial Information Technology Application Program.		Brian Hale, representing the Senatobia Volunteer Fire Department, attends a GIS technology training workshop offered through Northwest Mississippi Community College¹s Spatial Information Technology Application Program Feb. 24 and 26 on the Senatobia campus. Hale is also a full-time student at Northwest. (Photo by James Sorey)