By Sloane M. Perron, Manager of Marketing Communications
Anna Maria College brought police, fire, SWAT, and a Life Flight helicopter to campus last week to give prospective students a behind the scenes look at the diverse and exciting world of public safety careers during its 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges.
High schoolers interested in Anna Maria’s criminal justice, fire science, paramedic science, and emergency management programs were immersed in the world of public safety during the free three-day, overnight event on campus.
This year’s Battle of the Badges schedule was jam packed with unique and educational events led by experts in the criminal justice and fire science fields. High-profile guest speakers such as Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. and Former Boston Fire Commissioner and Chief of the Department Jack Dempsey provided first-hand stories from their careers and took Q&As from the students. Some of the timely topics discussed included environmental enforcement, dealing with mental health situations and community policing. Students also experienced how to find evidence in a simulated crime scene, watched aerial drones in action and observed demonstrations from Worcester Police Department’s SWAT Team, K-9 Unit, and the Mounted Patrol.
In addition to the various public safety events, students also participated in fun bonding activities such as game nights, a kickball tournament, an ice cream bar, and the 3rd Annual Dodgeball Championship where aspiring fire science students took on their criminal justice counterparts in friendly competition.
Local coverage of Anna Maria College’s 3rd Annual Battle of the Badges can be found in the Telegram & Gazette here or at Spectrum News here.
