Summer camp teaches Hamden students about public safety

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Students in Hamden are getting a unique opportunity to learn how to save lives and protect their community.

It’s not the fire academy, it’s actually a weeklong summer camp about public safety. While Thursday was all about firefighting, previous days have looked more like the police academy.

“I also learned how to do motor vehicle stops, and using the DUI glasses, and to learn how to do the DUI test,” said Nicky Desai, who just graduated from Hamden High School.

Others, like Hamden High School senior David Vargas, want to go on to become officers.

Everyone participating is a Hamden High School student or graduate interested in serving their communities, and this camp is a fun way to learn about it.

“They don’t want to sit in front of a classroom and be lectured all day,” Hamden Police Chief Jeffrey Naples said. “So, the goal is to get them outside, get them as much hands-on exposure to the equipment, to the tools, to our jobs and to our career path.”

An early interest in emergency service is not just good for these students and their careers. It’s good for everyone, because well-trained, motivated people are exactly who you want responding to an emergency. That’s why Quinnipiac University is hosting Hamden’s first emergency services camp.

“Medical services, police, fire — all those things are essential to a safe community, and so we are super happy to be a part of it,” said Bethany Zemba, Quinnipiac University’s vice president for strategy and community relations.

The students know serving their community can be its own reward.

“I want to help people in situations they need help and stuff, and I don’t want to let anybody down,” Vargas said. “That’s why I mostly want to be an officer.”

Fire officials hope to get a program like this set up during the high school year in the near future.

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