Students from the criminal justice program at Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES are getting hands-on experience at a mobile command post, one of the 911 communications centers.

The program is designed for anyone interested in law enforcement, criminal investigation, EMS, social work and more. Some of the students are considering careers in public safety.

One student, Josie Adriance, shared, “I just see men and women all the time putting their lives on the line, and I felt like I could benefit them and try and put my hand out and help.”

It was an attempt by the Washington County Department of Public Safety to reach out to the community and raise more awareness about the opportunities available, especially considering the national shortage for emergency services personnel.

“National shortage is nothing to joke about when you're in an emergency field. It's something that is necessary, something that people rely on, something that when people call nine on one, they expect it," said Supervising Communications Officer Stephanie Williams of the Washington County Department of Public Safety.