Clare-Gladwin Career Center student completes Michigan State Police Training Academy

Brad Gallagher of the career and technical education (CTE) Criminal Justice program at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD, attended the American Legion Michigan State Police Training Academy this summer in Lansing. The week-long offering teaches students in grades 10-12 about careers in law enforcement.

After 5 a.m. physical training sessions, the Gladwin High School senior’s days were filled with classroom sessions where he learned about the proper handling of firearms, self-defense techniques, water safety, the crime lab, and forensics.  His regimented schedule continued with a second physical training session in the afternoon, followed by additional classroom sessions until 10 p.m.

According to Gallagher, students attending the academy learned directly from experts in specialized forces of the police academy, including the SWAT team and the K-9 Unit.

“The academy really made me realize I want a career in law enforcement,” said Gallagher. “I’m especially interested in becoming a corrections officer or a state trooper.”

Gallagher also credited his experience in the CTE Criminal Justice program at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center for preparing him for the academy. “Because of CTE, I was already familiar with some of the laws and other topics we learned about at the academy, which was really helpful.”

Following graduation this spring, Gallagher plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Ferris State University.

Criminal Justice is one of nine career and technical education (CTE) programs offered to local high school juniors and seniors at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD. Students spend half of their regular school day in CTE and the other half at their local high school. For more information, please visit www.cgresd.net.