The Quehanna Boot Camp, located in Clearfield County, opened in 1992 as the first military-motivational boot camp in Pennsylvania for both men and women. Since that time, many people faced with a state prison sentence or boot camp have thrived in boot camp by learning discipline, job skills and recovery concepts in order to lead more productive lives.

Nonviolent eligible inmates are evaluated and channeled into one of three programs including military boot camp, drug treatment or short-term parole. After extensive evaluations, these successful programs have been found to help  nonviolent criminals get the skills and tools to overcome their problems and become responsible citizens.

Without this interim option, prisoners who may learn recovery, discipline and a trade may go to a state prison facility.

Gov. Josh Shapriro announced that Quehanna Boot Camp is being considered for closure, and has given the public three months to express their opinions before the final decision is made.

The Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association will fight the closure, adding that this will have implications that are detrimental to the prison population.

Please petition Gov. Shapiro’s office asking him to reconsider his decision and keep the Quehanna Boot Camp facility open. Comments to the governor can be made by accessing his website: pa.gov/form/governor/contact.html

Letters can be sent to: Governor’s Office, 501 N. 3rd St., 508 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, Pa., 17120. Phone calls can be made to the governor office at (717) 787-2500 during business hours.

Cyndee Smith, Port Allegany