JANESVILLE — More than 300 people attended Blackhawk Technical College’s inaugural Community Day open house on Thursday, June 30 at the college’s new Public Safety + Transportation Complex. 

The free event featured demonstrations and interactive stations that showcased the education programs that the new facilities serve, including Automotive Technician, CDL/Truck Driver Training, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Protection Technician, Law Enforcement and Motorcycle Rider Safety.

“This complex has been years in the making. Thank you to everyone who came out to the event. Your support means so much to Blackhawk,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk.

Blackhawk and its District Board sincerely thank the voters of Green and Rock counties for supporting the 2022 referendum for the Public Safety + Transportation Complex project, which will have a profound impact on how Blackhawk delivers essential training needed to keep our communities safe and the local economy growing. Blackhawk and District Board also want to thank the hundreds of community stakeholders and partners who have participated in the planning for the PSTC over the past 2 1/2 years. Many have had a hand in making this dream a reality.

Nearly all of the projects on the main training grounds are complete and open for use. The final phase of the project is the construction of the new Public Safety Education building, which is expected to begin in mid-December, with completion expected by spring of 2024. This new building will be located next to the Center for Transportation Studies building and house Blackhawk’s emergency services, fire and police programs.