Pickaway sheriff donates cruiser to Career & Technology Center
CHILLICOTHE― Students in the Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center law and public safety program were filled with excitement Monday as their new cruiser made its way to the school.
The vehicle was donated by the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office.
Students will use the cruiser to get a better understanding of what it is like being out in the field as a law enforcement officer. Instructor Rex Cockrell said the students will get great use out of the cruiser as they use it in practice stops and car inspections.
"Everything we teach here helps our students become future law enforcement officers," said Cockrell.
They will also be in charge of completing daily cruisier checks, just like an active officer. These checks include making sure all parts of the vehicle work and all needed equipment is inside. At the end of the day students will have to make sure the car is clean and presentable for the next officer.
Pickaway County Sheriff Mathew Hafey said he is happy to help provide learning opportunities for students. The cruiser, which needed a little work done on it, will help the automotive program and the law and public safety program learn more about their respective fields.
Hafey also took time to talk to students about what life is like on the job. Many of the students already know what they want their future job to be, for example one student wants to be a homicide detective, and are making the steps to get there.
"It is great seeing these young folks wanting to get into [the profession]," said Hafey
The sheriff took time to remind students that local job opportunities exist and that they can reach their goals without leaving the area. Chief Deputy James Brown, who was at the school for the donation, is an alumnus of the Pickaway-Ross law and public safety program. He started working for the force as an intern and over the years has worked his way up the ranks.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
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