BUTLER TWP — Butler County Community College chose Steven Nickell as the new director of Safety Training Programs for Business and Industry.

Nickell, who has already begun work at his new post, holds an associate degree in fire and science technology from Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado and will graduate from Franklin University this spring with a bachelor's degree in public safety management.

He was previously employed as a district sales manager at Troyer Farms in Erie County, and he also is a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Sharpsville Fire Department in Mercer County, where he lives.

The Business and Industry Safety Training Institute provides a variety of industrial and commercial training programs designed to satisfy the requirements of regulatory agencies.

As director, Nickell will meet with local companies to determine the training needs of their employees and will provide a customized program.

He replaces John Eckle, who left to take another position.

In 2006, BC3's Public Safety Training Institute had 2,516 students.