LANSING - The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) hosted an open house on June 4 to welcome visitors and showcase their training center to potential partner companies.

The event took place at the MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Training Center and featured tours as well as demonstrations.

"Today is just an opportunity for us to thank all the industry professionals who donated time and funds to make sure that first responders and private industry responders have been trained throughout all these years," Assistant Division Commander of MSP Chris Bush said.

Michigan State Police’s center has trained first responders for 27 years in areas such as hazardous materials response, weapons of mass destruction awareness, radiological emergency preparedness, emergency management and the incident command system.

Demonstrations in Monday’s training included civil support team capabilities and hazardous materials response.

"For 27 years the facility was state of the art and now as training has changed and needs have changed, we need to start looking to expand what we offer"

The open house brought at least 25 people into their center, including the Director of the Michigan Chemistry Council John Dulmes.

"Michigan Chemistry Council is glad to be here at the open house together with some of our members and other industry partners to learn more about the training center as well as to see the great work that's going on and discuss potential opportunities to partner with the state police," Dulmes said.

Bush said he hopes this open house draws in further collaborations in the future as well as updates that are overdue.