Hamden Teens Learn About Public Safety During Week-long Course

Press release

Hamden, Conn. – Members of the Hamden fire, police and emergency response teams, in partnership with Quinnipiac University, recently conducted a simulated car rescue for high school students as part of a new summer program aimed at inspiring careers in public safety.

During the extrication, Hamden Fire Department Lt. Brian Gagnon told wide-eyed Hamden High students what was happening in real-time.

For Quinnipiac, the rescue demonstration highlighted an opportunity to partner with local public safety professionals during a free, one-week program to teach and train Hamden’s leaders of tomorrow on the Mount Carmel Campus. Quinnipiac’s Department of Public Safety and the Yale New Haven Hospital Center for EMS also shared their expertise.
During the week, students learned about public safety through classroom instruction and hands-on interactions, including CPR and first aid training, handling a high-pressure water hose and discovering the sophisticated tools of the Fire Department's mobile command vehicle and armored vehicle.

David Vargas, a 17-year-old Hamden High senior, proudly wore a fluorescent green police safety vest during the extrication scenario.

“I’m learning a lot,” Vargas said during a break. “We get to know the different departments and see how they interact with people and how fast they do their work in dangerous situations,” “It’s amazing watching the fire department work on a damaged vehicle with people inside. I really like all of it, but I want to be a police officer when I grow up.”

For Bethany Zemba, vice president for strategy and community relations and chief of staff at Quinnipiac, the experience was invaluable for these committed students. “Quinnipiac University is excited to partner with the Hamden town and community departments to create this opportunity for Hamden High School students interested in careers in public safety,” she said.

“This summer experience exemplifies our commitment to community engagement and education,” Zemba added. “We are excited to offer students hands-on activities and training sessions that will provide valuable insights and practical skills in emergency medical, police and fire services.”

For Fire Department Chief Jeffrey Naples, the week-long experience was a perfect introduction to public safety and public service.

“We are extremely excited to be presenting the first-ever free summer public safety program for Hamden High School students,” Naple said at the time of the event. “This is a joint effort between town and community departments offering education and awareness to students with an interest in pursuing careers in public safety. Our goal is to create a more resilient community through education and awareness while providing a path for our youth to follow in these noble professions.”