Lycoming County Career and Technology Center to consider adding homeland security courses by local consortium – Williamsport Sun-Gazette

A member of the Lycoming County Career and Technology Center superintendents advisory committee visited the Homeland Security Consortium in the Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Hall earlier this week to hear the perspectives of those who would like to see homeland security curriculum brought to the CTC.

Mike Pawlik, the East Lycoming School District superintendent and member of the superintendents advisory committee, heard from the assembled fire chiefs, municipal leaders and Melanie Bertin, who heads up Williamsport Area School Districts program.

The consortium, which is made up of fire departments and municipal leaders from around the east end of the county, is attempting to bring a homeland security program comprised of firefighter, emergency medicine and law enforcement/corrections programs to local high school students.

The goal is to increase the spirit of voluntarism with local fire departments as well as teach practical skills students can graduate with and use to further their own careers.

We certainly understand there is a desperate need for young blood coming up, Pawlik said.

Youre looking at some of the young ones. We are the young ones anymore, Todd Winder, Clinton Township fire chief, said.

Dan Knapp, the president of Muncy Area Firefighter, said a lack of opportunities to speak to kids at school prevents fire departments from recruiting as well as other clubs and activities.

Pawlick said finding applicants to a potential position created for these courses may pose some challenge to the CTC. However, Delaney suggested Bertin may know of others who would be interested.

I know of 12 other people who applied. Directors in the prison system, instructors for volunteer firefighting, some retired state police officers, Bertin said.

Bertin said the children in her program, which was started three years ago, are looking for purpose; they enjoyed the bonds they formed with EMTs in the back of the ambulance, so they did not leave after high school.

The kids in our school are the most articulate, thoughtful and concerned individuals. They talk about their community and the future, Pawlik said. What theyre searching for is a good place to put their effort. Most kids want to make a difference someway, somehow in others lives.

Pawlik said he would share the information with the other board members.

The Lycoming County Career and Technology Center is made up of Montoursville, Muncy, Warrior Run, Loyalsock and East Lycoming School Districts, and also accepted students tuitioned in by Benton School District.

Jerry McLaughlin is the superintendent of record for the CTC.

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Lycoming County Career and Technology Center to consider adding homeland security courses by local consortium - Williamsport Sun-Gazette