RDPC Overview
Training & Tools for Rural Responders
The nation’s rural emergency responders face unique challenges when compared to their urban counterparts. In recognizing the need for consistent, quality training which addresses those challenges, Congress and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC or the Consortium) to develop and deliver relevant all-hazards training in support of rural homeland security requirements. See our course catalog for further details on each training program. All training delivered by the RDPC is certified by DHS and is offered tuition-free.
A New Approach
Led by Eastern Kentucky University, the Consortium is comprised of academic partners that possess extensive experience and niche capabilities in developing and delivering homeland security curriculum to the rural emergency response community. The RDPC is composed of the following academic partners, as well as other strategic partners who support its mission:
East Tennessee State University • Johnson City, Tennessee
Eastern Kentucky University • Richmond, Kentucky
Iowa Central Community College • Ft. Dodge, Iowa
NorthWest Arkansas Community College • Bentonville, Arkansas
The University of Findlay • Findlay, Ohio
North Carolina Central University • Durham, North Carolina
To ensure that training directly reflects the needs of rural emergency responders, the Consortium convenes a national rural preparedness summit and completes a bi-annual national survey of rural stakeholders. Data gathered from these activities is used to determine the type of training needs, the extent to which it is needed, and the best delivery methods.
The Consortium is guided by an Advisory Board comprised of public safety experts and officials appointed by the major national emergency response associations.
To schedule training delivery in your jurisdiction, please select the training from our course catalog and complete the form under the "Request Training" section.
For more information about the Consortium, contact Tom Lindquist, Director of the Consortium for RDPC, at 859-622-8106 or email Tom.Lindquist@eku.edu.
