Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
Over 430 high school students and community members recently attended the South Texas College Public Safety and First Responders Expo, an annual event that continues to empower and inspire future generations of public safety professionals.
Hosted at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr, more than 35 local, state and federal agencies had the opportunity to engage with the community, providing valuable insight into their respective fields through exciting exhibitions and equipment demonstrations.
“This is the perfect opportunity for students interested in these fields to catch a glimpse of their future. It’s all about raising awareness, enlightening the community about the opportunities available and guiding students toward the next chapter in their lives,” said STC Dean for Business, Technology and Public Safety Sara Lozano. “STC leads the way in innovation and bringing essential opportunities. Our Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence was established precisely for this purpose: to provide education and training to our community, which is in high demand for highly skilled professionals.”
With exhibitors spanning from local police and fire departments across the Rio Grande Valley to agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection and the Texas Department of Public Safety, numerous students took their first step into potential careers.
“I’ve always dreamed of being a state trooper, so I took the opportunity to speak with a couple of officers. They walked me through the application process and offered valuable advice for when I graduate,” shared Lindsay Vazquez from Juarez-Lincoln High School. “This experience was not only interesting, but incredibly useful. I couldn’t wait to call my mother and share all the details with her.”
Ivan Ramirez, from Valley View High School, shared a similar sentiment about his aspirations to start a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
“They advised me to begin gaining experience in a police department, and that guidance has encouraged me to take my first step,” he explained.
The event featured a range of captivating highlights such a motorcycle demonstration by the Pharr Police Department, who also showcased their Mounted Patrol Unit and a mesmerizing K-9 Unit demonstration by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.
“It’s an incredible feeling to return and now have the chance to share my experiences with young kids and current cadets,” expressed Lesslee Gonzalez, a recent STC graduate now serving with the San Juan Police Department. “I graduated in December and was hired within a month. The academy truly prepared me for where I am today and what the job entails. Coming back feels like coming full circle.”
STC offers a wide variety of opportunities for aspiring first responder professionals, from Law Enforcement and Fire Science programs to Criminal Justice and Paramedic pathways, as well as a variety of certificates within Emergency Medical Services.
“This year, we’ve significantly enhanced our resources. We’re opening our own two-story building for live fire training, expanded our fleet of police vehicles and equipped our fire academy with state-of-the-art fire-resistant cameras and heart monitor watches,” shared Victor Valdez, chair of the STC Public Safety Programs Department. “These types of events solidify our strong partnerships with numerous agencies who actively recruit our students. They recognize the quality, high standards and level of training our students receive, resulting in many of them being hired right after graduation.”
For more information on STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence and the programs and trainings offered, visit southtexascollege.edu.
