CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The 2015 West Virginia Public Safety Expo will open Wednesday at the Charleston Civic Center.
More than 650 attendees from 11 states are expected to attend this year’s event. The Expo provides world-class training and instruction to law enforcement and emergency personnel.
Bobby Smith will be the opening ceremonies keynote speaker this year. In 1986, Smith was shot in the face and blinded when he was a Louisiana State Trooper. After his recovery, Smith earned his Ph.D. and devoted his life to providing training and counseling first responders and their families. Smith has spoken all over the country and the world.
Dale Petry, Director of Kanawha County Homeland Security and Emergency Management described Smith as “a world class speaker.” Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper, who helped found the Expo, said the event has benefited law enforcement and emergency workers.
“We’re pleased to be able to offer such unparalleled training to the people who put their lives on the line for us every day,” Carper said.
The opening ceremonies begin Wednesday at 8 a.m.