Cove’s future public safety personnel make impact

By WENDY SLEDD

Special to Leader-Press

450 students, 30 schools and an opportunity to qualify for the national contest. But, all eyes were on the 11 students from Copperas Cove High School marching in formation, in perfect rhythm in their uniforms into the Judson High School Auditorium last weekend. It was the state competition sponsored by the Texas Public Services Association and competition was fierce in events within the categories of firefighters, first responders and law enforcement. It was obvious that the students were on a mission: to demonstrate their skills in five events: SWAT/Hostage Negotiations, Defensive Tactics, Disturbance Calls, Ideal Prisons and Foot Pursuit. CCHS student Shelby Birdwell said he felt anxiety prior to the contest but felt ready. “We trained every single day, repeating the same routine over and over,” he said. CCHS students captured first place at the district competition in the SWAT category, the most coveted award among all the contests. SWAT member Jason Trevino hoped for a repeat performance at the state contest. “I don’t feel—I just do—because I know my team is capable of being the best. We just have to want it enough.” After each of the competitors finished their events, they were relieved and felt confident that they had performed as they were taught, and tried their very best. Copperas Cove School Resource Officer William Hughes, primary instructor for the events, said the students used every opportunity to learn. But at the end of the two day competition, the CCHS students fell just short of placing within all five events. There was disappointment in the students as their hopes for any national competition ended. Patrick Zangarine, Criminal Justice Club sponsor and secondary instructor, said there was also an individual sense of accomplishment and pride in knowing they had trained hard and were able to perform well. “They didn’t leave empty handed at the end of the day. They had gained the respect from the schools of Texas and obtained the knowledge to use in future competition and careers,” he said. “Medals and trophies are nice to have, but it is the training, team work and experiences of these competitions which will have the greatest influence on these young people as they prepare to impact society,” Zangarine said. “I believe these students have a great start on that impact.”