### Boschma Family’s Vision for Law Enforcement Training in Ridgefield Falls Short
Local officials expressed disappointment as a **bold proposal** to create a permanent regional law enforcement training academy at **Boschma Farms** in Ridgefield failed to secure funding in this year’s state budget.
#### The Proposal: A Step Towards Advanced Training
In their request, local leaders sought **$3.5 million** from the state legislature to explore the **feasibility** of constructing a state-of-the-art training center on the **20-acre** site graciously donated by the Boschma family. This center was envisioned to house essential facilities, including a **shooting range and a driving track**, aimed at meeting the growing training needs of law enforcement personnel in the region. Current training can be inadequate, as the existing site opened in early 2024 at the former **Image Elementary School** in east Vancouver was always intended as a temporary solution.
#### Disappointment in Legislative Support
Vancouver’s Mayor, **Anne McEnerny-Ogle**, aired her frustrations during a recent city council meeting, voicing concerns that legislators misunderstood the project’s scope.
> “This isn’t just about a building; it’s about a comprehensive campus,” she asserted. “The current arrangements force our officers to travel far and wide for essential skills training. This misses the point entirely.”
In response to the lack of funding, McEnerny-Ogle urged the governor to advocate for the Boschma family’s generous offer in light of the next legislative session.
> “The opportunity for such a spacious campus will likely not come around again,” she lamented. “It was a sad day.”
#### A Community Center with Multiple Functions
In an email to **The Columbian**, the Mayor reiterated that this project remains a **“key aspiration”** for the community, capable of serving multiple programs. These include training for hazardous materials, canine handler certifications, and emergency communication preparedness.
> “This proposed academy has the potential to serve **hundreds of peace officers** across our growing region,” she emphasized. “We must work with lawmakers in Olympia to ensure they grasp the critical law enforcement training needs of our communities.”
#### Local Support
Clark County Sheriff **John Horch** also voiced his backing for a permanent training site, celebrating the benefits that the temporary center has already brought to recruiting and training new deputies. The local academy has recognized participation from recruits in various graduating classes, including one that celebrated graduation last month.
#### Conclusion: A Call to Action
The **Boschma family’s generous donation** could be the turning point in creating a robust training environment for law enforcement in our rapidly evolving community. It is now more important than ever for stakeholders in Olympia to recognize the potential impact of this investment. The future of public safety in Ridgefield depends on it.
**Explore more on law enforcement training** [here](https://www.columbian.com/news/2024/jan/05/big-deal-for-clark-county-law-enforcement-governor-hail-opening-of-new-law-enforcement-training-academy/).
