[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 77 (Monday, May 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CENTER FOR DOMESTIC 
                   PREPAREDNESS IN ANNISTON, ALABAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 12, 2008

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the 
attention of the House today to pay recognition to the dedicated 
workforce of the Center for Domestic Preparedness, CDP, in Anniston, 
Alabama, who on June 3 will celebrate the facility's 10th anniversary.
  On June 1, 1998, the Center opened its doors to America's first 
responders. Over the past 10 years, the more than 1,000 men and women 
of the CDP have offered cutting-edge training to first responders from 
all 50 States and every U.S. territory. Through the years, the Center's 
unique training capabilities have focused on mission-critical emergency 
management skills and training using live hazardous materials. CDP's 
hands-on approach builds skills and confidence that can save American 
lives in a homeland security crisis.
  Since its inception, the Center has expanded its facilities and 
mission to better meet the needs of first responders. The addition of 
the Noble Training Facility, NTF, in 2007 gave CDP the only medical 
facility in the United States dedicated to training health care 
professionals in disaster response. NTF adds new training resources and 
two prototype mass casualty decontamination lanes to the Center's 
training arsenal. Today the CDP serves an essential role within the 
Department of Homeland Security for helping provide unique training 
that ultimately helps keep our communities safe.
  I am pleased to recognize the staff of the Center for Domestic 
Preparedness today for reaching this important milestone, and look 
forward to witnessing its next decade of growth and service to our 
Nation.

                          ____________________