Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) proudly hosted the Texas High School First Responder Competition on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, bringing together the state's most talented aspiring first responders for a day of intense competition and learning. The event, organized by the Texas Public Service Teacher Association (TXPSTA), showcased nearly 400 students and advisors from over 30 schools who have excelled in regional competitions.
The competition offered 22 challenging events designed to test students' skills in areas crucial to law enforcement, firefighting, corrections, legal, and emergency medical services careers. From the Crime Scene Investigation challenge to the Fire Agility Course, the competition provided practical experiences essential for excelling in first responder roles.
Frank Rios, president of the TXPSTA, highlighted the importance of the competition in preparing students for their future careers. "The competitions are an invaluable opportunity to foster the dedication of these young talents. Seeing the grit and determination of these students in action exemplifies the spirit of future first responders," said Rios.
Numerous Lone Star College (LSC) departments, including LSC Police along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Harris County Constable Precinct 4, Tomball Police Department, Klein Fire Department, Cypress Creek Fire Department and Texas Department of Criminal Justice, volunteered as mentors and judges, providing invaluable insights and support.
"LSC-University Park President Virginia M. Fraire, Ph.D., celebrated the collective achievement of the competition. "At LSC-University Park, our commitment to educational excellence and community support is unwavering; hosting this event reaffirms that commitment," Fraire stated. "The exceptional skill and enthusiasm displayed by every participant was truly inspiring. The remarkable efforts of both students and volunteers were impressive. Their commitment signals a bright future for public safety and showcases the pivotal role of education in shaping our future first responders."
Students from Klein ISD, New Caney ISD, Spring ISD, Porter ISD, Deer Park ISD, and Huntsville ISD were among the participants. Several area teams and individuals earned top honors in their respective challenges.
Team Awards:
• Porter High School excelled in SWAT-Emergency Team Response, securing first place with its exceptional performance.
• Carl Wunsche Sr. High School demonstrated outstanding expertise, with its Emergency Medical Technician and CSI teams both capturing first place awards.
Individual Awards:
• From Huntsville High School, Brittnee Kyle earned a first-place award in the Bunker Gear Challenge, showcasing her proficiency and readiness.
• Deer Park High School South saw Ariel Belk win first in the Traffic Stop Challenge, while Demetri Steiner claimed a first-place victory in Law Agility.
• Klein Oak High School’s Jackson Blankenship stood out by placing first in the Intoxicated Driver Skills Challenge.
The TXPSTA continues its mission to advance Law and Public Service education through high-quality instruction and hands-on training, preparing students for the challenges they will face in their careers.
Lone Star College-University Park is dedicated to empowering students through education and enriching the community through innovative programs and partnerships. LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education classes with a variety of start dates. Classes are available in traditional, online, and hybrid formats, accommodating daytime, evening, and weekend schedules. For more information or to register online, visit LoneStar.edu/UP-NextStart, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.
Established in 2012, LSC-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. Led by President Virginia M. Fraire, Ph.D., the college is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.
Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard's world headquarters, LSC-University Park's facilities include the new Visual and Performing Arts Center, the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, iSchool, and YMCA Children's Academy.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.