The City of Irondale is hosting more than 125 first responders from across the State of Alabama for a training designed to help police, fire, and EMS personnel recognize, rethink, and respond to human trafficking situations, particularly with child victims.

The training is hosted by the Irondale Fire Department and Irondale Police Department in partnership with Irondale’s own Mitch Pledger Youth Development Organization, the Child Trafficking Solutions Project, Children’s Aid Society, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Information about working with victims is being provided by UAB, Children’s Hospital, and local victim advocacy groups.

Attendees had the option of attending the 8-hour training course at the Irondale Civic Center on one of three days this week, August 27-29, 2024. Course topics include human trafficking federal and state laws, case studies, response protocols, evidence collection, victim advocacy, and more.

“With major interstate highways running through our City, we have made it a priority to ensure our Irondale first responders are equipped with the skills and insight to effectively recognize and respond to human trafficking situations,” stated Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. “Our goal is to be leaders in tackling this issue, so we’re proud that we were able to come together with other partners and experts to host a training that is open to first responders from across the state.”