Students in St. Clair County TEC’s new Law and Public Safety program now have access to real-world training equipment thanks to a decommissioned police cruiser donated by the City of Port Huron. The vehicle was officially presented at a special event on Wednesday, September 3, at the program’s location at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Port Huron.
Police Chief Brian Kerrigan and Assistant Chief Jeremy Young delivered the cruiser to students enrolled in the program, joined by Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas, St. Clair County RESA Superintendent Brenda Tenniswood, CTE Director/Principal Lesley Murphy, program instructor Bobby Watson, and paraprofessional Ryan Simons.
“This police cruiser is more than a vehicle. It’s a classroom on wheels,” said Lesley Murphy, CTE Director/Principal. “Our students will gain practical skills using the same equipment and technology they’ll encounter in their future public safety careers.”
St. Clair County RESA’s Technical Education Center launched the Law and Public Safety program this fall, servicing high school juniors and seniors countywide. The comprehensive curriculum covers law enforcement, emergency response, dispatch operations, firefighting, and related fields.
“This partnership demonstrates our community’s commitment to preparing the next generation of public safety professionals,” said Brenda Tenniswood, St. Clair County RESA Superintendent. “We’re building a pipeline of skilled professionals who will serve and protect our neighborhoods for years to come.”
The initiative is made possible through the collaborative support of Port Huron Schools, City Manager James Freed, and the Port Huron Police Department. The program is located at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Port Huron. The site was chosen in part due to its proximity to Port Huron Fire Station No. 1, providing students with unique access to community partners and industry equipment, which enhances the hands-on learning experiences that are an important part of career and technical education.
The program aligns with the Law and Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN) standards for dispatcher credentialing and creates direct pathways into high-demand careers. Students can earn college credit and industry-recognized credentials while completing their high school requirements.
The donated cruiser will provide hands-on training opportunities for students, including:
Vehicle inspection and maintenance procedures
Radio communications and emergency dispatch scenarios
Law enforcement technology and operation
Report writing and documentation skills
Learn more information about the Law & Public Safety Program