Merced Union High School District

Both the El Capitan and Buhach Colony high school Public Safety Pathways celebrated a significant milestone on Wednesday when they were recognized as National Industry Certified Programs of Excellence by the Law & Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN). CTE Public Service Instructors Buck Ledford from El Capitan and Alexandra Dietz received plaques and certificates to mark the achievements for the respective programs.

 

“It's a big deal,” said LAPSEN Executive Director Tom Washburn, who made site visits to both campuses on Wednesday. “I mean, we have about 5,500 public safety programs in the nation and we have presently about 30 to 35 programs that have gone through the (certification) process.” 

 

The MUHSD programs are two of approximately 20 public safety programs in California to receive the distinction. It’s a process that takes months as the program is judged on criteria that includes organization administration, the level of expertise and training of the staff, the facilities, equipment and labs, the curriculum, the student preparation and the advisory committee and community. 

 

Washburn and Mike McColm, who works as the content coordinator for Fresno CTE/ROP finalized the certification process. They visited both schools for final interviews with instructors, administrators and advisory committee members. They also inspected the facilities. “I think these programs are so impactful, especially in our area, in the Central Valley, breaking the stigma of law enforcement that a lot of students have, especially in the culture we have right now,” McColm said. “It opens their eyes to another side.”

 

Washburn applauded the expertise of both Ledford and Dietz and their ability to engage their students. It’s a testament to the growth of both programs. Ledford started with low numbers when he took over the El Capitan program in 2023 and he now has over 160 students with a projection of over 180 students next year. Dietz has just under 200 students at Buhach Colony in just her second year leading the program. 

 

“Honestly, when I took this in 2023 the numbers were super low, it was tiny,” Ledford said. “I mean, (ECHS principal Megan Cope) had to give me some EMR classes just so I had a full-time position, and it was extremely nerve wracking, because I had a very good position in the sheriff's office. I was a Lieutenant, and I was in charge of special operations. So when I came over, it was like, man, I hope this program grows. So yes, I'm super stoked. I made the right choice.”

 

Dietz says the pathway opens doors for students who may not have known all the opportunities for different careers in law enforcement. “Obviously, we're both passionate about law enforcement, and came from the industry,” Dietz said. “When I was a school resource officer before, like, students didn't want to talk to me. They thought I was going to get them in trouble. But that's not what law enforcement is, and there's so many careers within law enforcement and little niche jobs that you can get, you can really pull their attention in different aspects. If they like to fly drones, they could go to our search and rescue team. There's different areas and aspects, so it's just them expanding their knowledge on law enforcement.”

 

The Public Safety Pathway has grown from approximately 30 programs outside of Texas when Washburn started teaching in 1995 to over 5,500 now. The LAPSEN Certified Programs of Excellence distinction will open up a network for both MUHSD programs to collaborate with other programs around the country, which will help with lesson plans, ideas and structure. It helps set standards for programs to follow nationwide. “It also opens up more certification opportunities for our students,” Dietz said. “I think that's where Ledford and I were like, ‘Okay, that's exactly what we want.’ Our students can be certified as a 911 dispatcher or as a crime scene instigator, or in general law enforcement.”

 

These credentials provide future employers proof that individuals can perform certain skills when they come into a job. According to the LAPSEN website, these credentials “are milestones that build confidence, mark progress, and open doors to career opportunities.” 

 

Ledford says he’s been on hiring committees and these certificates that their students can earn while in high school will help them stand out. “Typically on the law enforcement side, you have to be 18, so everything is post (high school) related,” Ledford said. “That’s where LAPSEN  comes in, they offer all these micro-credentials and credentialing opportunities for our students. These certificates can go on the resumes and they come out of high school with these credentials and certifications. It just makes them more employable for sure and they'll stand out.”

 

Dietz says the recognition from LAPSEN means a great deal to both programs. “Mr. Ledford and I both come from the public safety profession, so this program is not just another class to us,” Dietz said, “It’s something we genuinely care about and believe in. We have experienced firsthand the responsibility, discipline, and critical decision-making that come with a career in public safety, and we work every day to prepare our students for those same expectations. This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it validates the work being done not just by us, but by our students. Our students put in the effort. They show up, they train, they challenge themselves, and they take pride in being part of something. Watching them grow in confidence, leadership, and professionalism is what makes this program so rewarding. I am very proud of this recognition because it confirms that what we are building is making a real impact on our students and our community.”

Shawn Jansen is the MUHSD Program Manager Digital Media. He can be reached at Sjansen@muhsd.org.