By Tiffany Williams –
LYNNFIELD, Mass. — More than 100 students from across Massachusetts gathered Saturday at the Municipal Police Training Committee’s Lynnfield Academy for Law Enforcement Stations Day, an annual event designed to provide hands-on training experiences and career exploration opportunities for young people interested in public safety careers.
Organized with support from the Spirit of Adventure Council for Scouting America, the daylong program brought together participants from Explorer Posts, Cadet Programs and high schools with criminal justice programs. Students took part in an interactive scenario-based competition while also attending a public safety fair that featured college and career opportunities.
MPTC officials said the event highlighted the value of collaboration among public safety agencies, schools, youth organizations and community partners while helping students gain exposure to careers in law enforcement and public service.
“The MPTC remains committed to investing in the next generation of public safety professionals and helping them better understand the opportunities that come with serving their communities,” said MPTC Executive Director Colonel Rick Rathbun (Ret.). “Stations Day provides an important forum for students to gain experience in realistic scenarios and develop professional skills in meaningful conversations with people doing this important work every day. I thank each of the participating organizations who made this program successful.”
“Law Enforcement Stations Day creates a unique environment where students compete, learn, and network all in one place. We were proud to welcome so many young adults and partner agencies to our academy space, and we appreciate the support of the Spirit of Adventure Council helping make this event possible,” said MPTC Deputy Executive Director Captain Amy Fanikos (Ret.).
Throughout the day, students worked in teams and rotated through a series of public safety scenarios designed to reflect the challenges faced by modern law enforcement professionals. Participants responded to simulated crash investigations, family disturbances, mental health crises, impaired driving investigations, neighbor disputes, interview and interrogation exercises, and traffic stops. Students also demonstrated competitive swimming and physical agility skills as part of the competition.
In addition to the practical exercises, the public safety fair connected students with representatives from New England colleges and a variety of local, state and federal agencies. Participants had opportunities to learn about career pathways, hiring processes, internships and training programs. Agencies represented law enforcement, corrections, emergency communications, fire services and emergency management disciplines.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing students and teams for achievements in performance, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, professionalism and problem-solving.
“The Law Enforcement Stations Competition affords youth the opportunity to explore the role of law enforcement and build relationships with like-minded individuals. A competition bringing together police explorers and cadet programs from across the Commonwealth creates growth not only in developing future law enforcement professionals but also developing confidence and problem-solving skills which can translate to any professional field. The Fitchburg State University Police Program is thrilled to be able to participate in this important event helping to develop future leaders,” said Fitchburg State University Police Program Academy Director Alexandra Wysocki.
Winthrop Police Department Deputy Chief Steve Rogers said the event provides valuable opportunities for young people interested in public safety careers.
“Law Enforcement Stations Day is a great experience for young people from across the region to gather and apply all they have learned from their local programs in a friendly competition. The day fosters positive police-community relations and develops civic responsibility by exposing young adults to the many aspects of a public safety career,” Rogers said.
Jennifer Erickson, Service Area Director for Scouting America Greater Boston, said the event benefits both students and mentors involved in youth development programs.
“Exploring is an incredible opportunity for both the youth and the mentors involved in the program. The youth are able to gain hands on experience and behind the scenes knowledge of careers they are considering. For the mentors, they are helping to form a new generation of candidates in their fields as well as possibly find the next hire for their organization. The opportunities for both are endless,” Erickson said.
The MPTC said the annual event remains an important opportunity for students to gain firsthand exposure to public safety careers while building leadership, communication and problem-solving skills that can be applied in a variety of professions.