"Right out of school, we're providing a positive, powerful opportunity for kids to not only continue to learn, but have a whole lot of fun," said Sgt. Rodney Anderson from Lansing Police.
This summer, he is teaming up with the Lansing fire department to keep kids out of trouble.
"It's building relationships between law enforcement officers and youth, and also law enforcement and the community," Sgt. Anderson said.
The kids will get to spend a week in the shoes of a police officer and a fire fighter.
"An experience like this for youth opens their eyes to the different opportunities in public service," Sgt. Anderson said.
Bruce Odom from the Lansing Fire Department says kids will learn how to think on their feet, going through emergency simulations and CPR certification classes.
"We have to make critical decisions at critical moments," Odom said. "And we want to make sure that kids understand that they can apply those skills throughout their lives, regardless of what profession they go into."
Ronshon Fisher from the Lansing Boys and Girls Club says, kids in Mid-Michigan need those examples of leadership.
"They need something that they can gravitate to, someone to provide opportunities for them that they may not be getting at home," Fisher said.
Sgt. Anderson also hopes that with the shortage of police officers over the past couple of months it will inspire kids to join up.
"Through exposure to police and fire careers, there's gonna be some planting of seeds that are gonna develop interest in future career opportunities with our department or the fire department," Sgt. Anderson said.
To keep them on the right path this summer and beyond.
Kids need a recommendation from a teacher or a mentor to apply to the program.
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