St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) will expand career pathways and meet workforce demand with the launch of a new Law and Public Safety program as part of its career and technical education offerings. Beginning in Fall 2025, the program will provide 11th and 12th-grade students with hands-on training and skills for in-demand careers in the public safety sector. The program will be operated by St. Clair County RESA under the supervision of CTE Director/Principal Lesley Murphy.
The program will be located at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Port Huron. The site was chosen in part due to its proximity to the new Port Huron Fire Station No. 1 at 1400 10th Street. The location will provide students with unique access to community partners and industry equipment, enhancing the hands-on learning experiences that are an important part of career and technical education.
“We are excited to partner with Port Huron Schools to bring this opportunity to students throughout St. Clair County,” said Lesley Murphy, CTE Director/Principal at St. Clair County RESA. “This collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to preparing students for in-demand careers in our community.”
Although housed in Port Huron, the Law and Public Safety Program is open to all students in St. Clair County, making it a truly regional educational resource. The program is aligned with the Law And Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN) Dispatcher Credential, ensuring that students have the essential communication and crisis management skills needed for emergency response roles.
Career Pathways and Job Outlook
The Law and Public Safety Program serves as a starting point for students interested in pursuing careers in:
Emergency Dispatch
Law Enforcement
Emergency Medical Services
Firefighting
Public Safety
Security and Protective Services
Investigations and Forensics
Corrections
Drone Technology
According to recent labor market data for Southeastern Michigan, the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security sector employs over 3,200 workers in the region, with continued growth expected. The field offers diverse career opportunities with multiple educational entry points, making it accessible to students with different academic and career goals.
Educational partnerships
The program offers statewide articulation agreements with several Michigan colleges and universities, including Baker College, Mid Michigan College, North Central Michigan College, Northern Michigan University, and Oakland Community College. These articulation agreements create seamless educational pathways for students who wish to continue their education after high school. As the Law and Public Safety program develops, RESA will pursue additional articulation agreements with St. Clair County Community College (SC4) to provide students with seamless pathways to continue their education and training after completing their certification at TEC.
Program Curriculum
Students will develop skills in key areas such as emergency management, criminal justice, and law enforcement. They will engage in hands-on training with dispatch simulation software, practice responding to real-world emergency scenarios, and learn critical protocols for coordinating law enforcement, fire, and medical services.
“The new Law and Public Safety program is an exciting opportunity for students to gain real-world skills while exploring in-demand careers in our community,” said Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas. “We’re proud to partner with St. Clair County RESA in expanding career-focused learning opportunities for local students.”
For more information about the Law and Public Safety program or to learn how to enroll, call St. Clair County Technical Education Center at (810) 455-1010.