Behind the Badge: Decatur Students Explore Careers as First Responders
This February, the typical classroom setting was traded for sirens, scrubs, and squad cars as students from Decatur High School and surrounding districts stepped behind the yellow tape for the region's new First Responders Day.
Organized by the Decatur Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the event offered a deep dive into the critical world of public safety and healthcare. Building on the success of the "Manufacturing Day" events, which started during the fall 2024 semester, this initiative was designed to bridge the gap between Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework and real-world application.
A Multi-District Mission
The impact of the day extended beyond Decatur city limits. Students from Paradise, Chico, and Slidell joined their peers to get an up-close look at the agencies that keep Wise County running. By touring these facilities, students gained firsthand insight into the daily lives, challenges, and rewards of those serving on the front lines.
The comprehensive tour list included Medical City Decatur, the Decatur Police Department, the Decatur Fire Department, the Wise County EMS and Rescue, and the Wise County Sheriff's Office.
The event wasn't just about observationβit was a full-scale showcase of student talent across multiple disciplines. As future medics and officers explored their paths, other CTE programs stepped in to also gain experience in their fields. Culinary arts students put their skills to the test by preparing and serving lunch for the attendees. And photographer Kady Martinez Lopez was on-site to document the day, capturing the day through photos.