LPD TRAINING CENTER BECOMES A REALITY For the past 30 years the Lakeland Police Department has relied heavily on a 3,200 square foot building for the classroom and physical combat training of its officers. The single room facility, constructed in 1981 by employees, has served as primary training center for every sworn officer for Lakeland and is frequently used by neighboring law enforcement agencies for training as well. With today’s standards requiring officers to receive monthly training, the need for additional classroom space has become crucial. That need will soon be fulfilled with a new Police Department training facility. Earlier this year construction began on a new 6,000 square foot facility, which will sit adjacent to the current training building and firing range training area. Locally based companies Sheets Associates Architects and Miller Construction Management, Inc. were selected to design and construct the new facility, which is expected to cost an estimated $750,000. The all-metal exterior building, paid for with impact fees, will be one of the most energyefficient buildings in the county when it opens later this year. “We have wanted this new facility for a long time, and this year we finally were in a position to make it happen,” said Captain Victor White who is overseeing the project. “This facility will allow us greater flexibility in getting all 226 officers in for their required ongoing training.” Project managers from both companies have been onsite working side-by-side with City departments
to ensure all of the project goals are met. The new facility will feature three classrooms, 88 data ports, 28 computer workstations and flat panel monitors with a projection system. The technology upgrades will allow for consistent hands-on training and the additional classrooms will allow for multiple training classes to be offered during a given day. The 10 ft. ceilings in the new center will provide plenty of room for tactical training, which often involves hand-to-hand combat. Officers at the training center will also enjoy a full break room, lockers and shower facilities. However, don’t expect the existing training center to be boarded up. The department plans to continue utilizing the old facility to the fullest. With the removal of the old tables and chairs a dedicated space will now be available to set up scenario-based training allowing officers the ability to practice simulated hostage stand-offs and building entrance techniques. “Providing our officers consistent, quality training must be our top priority,” said White. We owe it to our officers to provide them with the best training available as they put their lives on the line everyday protecting our community.”
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EDGEWOOD EXTension OPEN The much anticipated Edgewood Drive Extension that connects South Florida Avenue to Harden Boulevard officially opened on Friday, September 21st during a ceremony that included the official removal of the barricades and a motorcade ribbon cutting. The Southwest Middle School Jazz Band played and students from the school cheered when the procession motored past the school. Construction of West Edgewood Drive started January 1, 2012 and it opened ahead of schedule. An east/west connector has been in the works since 2001 when the City of Lakeland had its first workshop on possible routes. The total cost for the project was $19.2 million with funding coming from Polk County, the Federal Highway Administration, City of Lakeland impact fees and City of Lakeland bond revenues. West Edgewood Drive is expected to experience over 16,000 cars per day.
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Meet Gene Lord Gene Lord is the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) Coordinator for the Lakeland Police Department. It is a position he has held since joining the Department in 2006. Lord has the heavy responsibility of assisting victims of domestic violence by ensuring they get all the help that is available. “I am fortunate to work with other people who are as passionate about helping those in need as I am,” said Lord. “Not everyone can do this job. But it is so rewarding to help those who may have no one else to turn to.” As a DART member Lord wears many hats. His primary focus remains with victims of domestic violence. In his position he serves as a point person within the department for many victims. He often stays in contact with those he helps from the moment after they become a victim, all the way through the prosecution of their attacker. “Having that connection with victims is the thing I love most about my job,” said Lord. “With many positions in law enforcement you only get involved with one piece of the judicial process. The continuing involvement allows us to serve as a trusted source for a victim.”
“When you see how many people are affected by domestic violence, it strengthens your resolve to work harder.”
Lord knows all about other aspects of law enforcement. Before coming to the Lakeland Police Department he served 34 years for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Even after retiring, Lord still wanted to help those in need. “Over the years I have learned so much about victim’s assistance and the services that are available,” said Lord. “There have been great strides in education, treatment services and in proactive prevention methods. However, the most important piece of advice that I give to people has not changed over the years. Take that first step. There are services and people here to help you. Domestic violence does not go away with time and in most cases the situation only gets worse.” This past October, Lord served as coordinator for the Third Annual Domestic Violence Symposium that was hosted in Lakeland. Over 200 members from law enforcement, victim advocates groups, treatment providers and other organizations gathered at the Lake Mirror center to share ideas and stories on how they can help put an end to domestic violence. “It is great to see so many dedicated people collaborate together,” said Lord.
“When you see how many people are affected by domestic violence, it strengthens your resolve to work harder.” Lord also serves on the Florida Domestic Violence Task force and the Fatality Review Team of the 10th Judicial Circuit. Lord is not the first or the last in his family to serve as a member of the Lakeland Police Department. His father, Gordon Lord served as an officer from 1951 thru late 1970s.Through is tenure he achieved the rank of Major, now know as Deputy Chief. His son Marshall Lord currently serves as a sergeant assigned to the uniform patrol division. It is the first time in the history of the Department three generations have served consecutively. Lord laughs when talking about his grandson who has also expressed an interest in working for the department. “I guess it is in our blood,” said Lord. A loving husband to his wife Susan for the past 41 years, Lord has one son and two grandchildren. When he has time he loves watching Nascar and traveling with his family.