On July 9, Community Transition Center (CTC) Braddock was destroyed by a fire displacing all 38 reentrants assigned to the Center. Plumes of smoke bellowed from the fire, which broke out around 5:45 a.m. resulting in the evacuation of all staff and reentrants. The evacuation and critical incident plans were flawless. Everything worked as all trained for it to work. And because of everyone's actions, there were no staff/reentrant injuries.
Immediately following the evacuation, all reentrants were temporarily housed at the nearby Braddock Borough Fire Department Bingo Hall. This fire hall served as temporary housing and incident command for CTC Braddock, Parole and BCC staff. The Braddock Borough Fire Department opened up their vending machines allowing access to snacks and beverages for the reentrants.
All displaced reentrants, many with only the clothes on their back, were transferred to other facilities throughout Region III.
Due to the severity of the fire within the area of origin and the collateral damage to other areas, CTC Braddock was forced to cease operations until further notice. Fortunately, CTC Braddock was able to start renovations within a few days, with full restoration of the center completed within a months' time.
From the day of the fire through the center's re-opening on Aug. 12, the Borough of Braddock and surrounding communities rallied around the staff and reentrants offering assistance at every turn. While at other centers, reentrants received continued support from the respective contract facility staff in addition to vouchers for clothing and essential supplies from the Homewood Salvation Army.
It is no secret that we all play a vital role in the success of our reentrants. And it is the commitment and partnership between all involved (BCC/Parole, Region III contract facilities and the community) that facilitated our efforts in getting through this tragic event.