BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — February 18, 2026 — Upshur County Schools successfully hosted a comprehensive human trafficking awareness and prevention training as one part of its districtwide Professional Learning Day. The training brought together school secretaries, nurses, Communities-in-schools coordinators, and counselors for a focused session led by experts from the West Virginia Fusion Center, Samantha Dial and Paula Yount.
The training emphasized recognizing signs of human trafficking, responding appropriately, and understanding the broader role school staff play in early identification and reporting. Participants engaged in scenario-based learning, resource exploration, and discussions on how to strengthen protective environments for students.
Throughout the morning, trainers Samantha Dial and Paula Yount provided in-depth instruction aligned with national best practices. Participants learned to:
Identify behavioral and environmental indicators of trafficking.
Support students who may be at risk or exhibiting warning signs.
Navigate proper reporting channels, including the state’s suspicious activity processes supported by the Fusion Center.
Strengthen school-based prevention strategies tailored to West Virginia’s unique community needs.
Attendees reported leaving the session feeling more informed, confident, and empowered to take action to protect students.
Chase Woody, Counselor at Washington District Elementary stated, "The WV Fusion Center’s human trafficking training was extremely valuable and directly applicable to my role as a school counselor with Upshur County Schools. The information provided strengthens our ability to recognize high-risk behaviors, identify student vulnerabilities, and remain vigilant for signs of potential targeting or grooming. This training enhances our capacity to respond proactively and support student safety through informed, trauma-sensitive practices. I sincerely thank Upshur County Schools for prioritizing this important professional development and for providing this opportunity to multiple classifications of staff, reinforcing a unified commitment to student protection and community awareness."
Matthew Sisk, Director of Safety and Technology, worked to coordinate this training. Mr. Sisk who is a Fusion Liaison Officer of the WV Fusion Center notes that the expertise heard today is vital in the state of West Virginia. The West Virginia Fusion Center is widely recognized for its role in safeguarding communities through intelligence sharing, threat assessment, and coordinated public safety efforts. Mr. Sisk wants to remind everyone that fusion centers are collaborative hubs that integrate information from law enforcement, public safety agencies, and private partners to detect, prevent, investigate, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity. Their work emphasizes proactive intelligence and cross-agency cooperation to protect local communities. The Fusion Liaison Officer (FLO) program, which operates through the Fusion Center, further strengthens the state’s information sharing network by training more than 200 community representatives to identify and report suspicious activity—demonstrating the Center’s broad reach and deep commitment to community protection.
Today's training marks another step in Upshur County Schools’ ongoing efforts to prioritize student well-being and expand professional development in areas of safety, crisis readiness, and prevention. With the support of the WV Fusion Center’s highly respected team, the district continues to enhance its capacity to identify and address threats affecting children and families.
Upshur County Schools extends its gratitude to Samantha Dial, Paula Yount, and the West Virginia Fusion Center for their partnership and dedication to protecting students across the state.