JJC, City of Joliet Partner to Explore Public Safety Institute

Joliet Junior College (JJC) and the City of Joliet announced a joint effort to explore the creation of a public safety institute (PSI) designed to expand hands-on training for police, fire and emergency personnel, while building career pathways for the next generation of public safety professionals.  

The announcement follows a unanimous vote by the JJC board of trustees at their September meeting and a resolution passed by the Joliet City Council. Through an intergovernmental agreement, the City and JJC will authorize up to $250,000 for a feasibility study to evaluate design concepts, construction costs and funding strategies.  

With nearly 1,000 employees citywide — and more than half serving in police, fire or emergency response roles — public safety represents Joliet’s largest workforce commitment. The proposed PSI would ensure consistent, high-quality training for these professionals while also providing students and working adults access to hands-on education in real-world environments.  

“Communities that invest in dedicated training centers for first responders benefit from safer neighborhoods, better-prepared professionals and access to the latest tools and best practices,” said Joliet mayor Terry D’Arcy. “This effort allows us to prepare for the future and strengthen public safety for generations to come.”  

Dr. Clyne Namuo, JJC president, highlighted the workforce impact: “Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and education is the cornerstone of opportunity. A public safety institute will create a direct pathway into careers in policing, fire science and emergency services. This initiative means access to cutting-edge training close to home, while meeting a critical workforce need.”  

The PSI is envisioned as both a regional training hub for current first responders and a career launchpad for students, advancing JJC’s mission as the nation’s first public community college and a leader in workforce development.

JJC media contact: Kelly Rohder-Tonelli, executive director of strategic engagement, krohder@jjc.edu  

City of Joliet media contact: Rosemaria DiBenedetto, media engagement and communications director, rdibenedtto@joliet.gov