Public Safety Day for the Youth Leadership Henry Class of 2019

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HENRYCOUNTY.COM

Public Safety Day for the Youth Leadership Henry Class of 2019

By Don Dunlap Chair, YLH Board of Directors

On Monday November 5, members of the Youth Leadership Henry Class of 2019 met at the Henry County Sheriff’s Offices, ready to learn about the role of Public Safety in the community. While this was a day off from school for most (Henry Schools had a staff professional development day), these aspiring leaders were ready to learn!

Sheriff’s Office

Assembling in the auditorium at the Sheriff’s Offices, each class member received a badge with their “top 5” strengths from last month’s Clifton Strengths session, so they could practice what they had learned about interactions with each other throughout the day. We began with a session on Organization, using the Georgia BEST program materials from the Georgia Department of Labor (they had taken a survey earlier to self-assess the workplace ethics skills for which they wanted most assistance). The session focused on the top 10 habits of very organized people.

The class then went upstairs to the tactical simulator, where YLH Board Member Sergeant Robert Powell demonstrated the simulator using a specially-fitted Glock .40 pistol (feels like it’s shooting real rounds, but it isn’t) in target and tactical shooting scenarios. He challenged YLH Board Chair, Don Dunlap, to try his hand at a random scenario (a 911 hang-up call that turned out to be a hostage situation).

Fire Station #1

After debriefing from the simulator session, the class boarded buses provided by the 4-H and traveled to Fire Station #1. We learned about the structure of the Henry County Fire Department, an overview of what they do, and what it takes to serve in that capacity. The students were able to watch a new class of recruits practice their turnout gear timings and completed sessions with each of the crews examining various pieces of equipment. From Ladder trucks, engines, squads, and ambulances, they got a good idea of the unique role that each plays in ensuring the safety of our citizens, from the people that really do it.

Police Department

Next the class went to the 911 Emergency Operations Center for a presentation by the Henry County Police Department describing the various duties of the HCPD and participated in an engaging discussion on Crime Scene investigation by CST Lavetta Oliver.

After a briefing by Jeremy Heard about the 4-part role the Emergency Management Agency plays, the class broke for lunch, which was followed by a description of the duties and responsibilities of the 911 operators. The class members were able to go on the floor of the 911 dispatch center and see the equipment being used as it was explained, in real time.

Jail Tour

The last stop was the Henry County Sheriff’s Offices. Sheriff McBrayer met the class in the auditorium and gave a description of his role as an elected constitutional officer and history of the office and facilities in Henry County. He described the duties of the office, and how they have evolved over time.

After the Sheriff’s presentation, the students toured the jail and were able to see how the process works, ending back in the auditorium, completing the program day.

YLH is on Social Media

If you want to keep up with class events and programs, we encourage you to “like” the Youth Leadership Henry Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @YLHenry.