Area 30 law enforcement class trains at PCSD obstacle course

Pictured from the vertical rope obstacle are (from top left) Aidan O’Brien, Robert Greene, Kaleb Troxal, Zayden Bright, (middle) Ian Frank, Briana Flowers, Taven Noll, Jacob Fugate, Kendra Nichols, (bottom) Daniel Davis, Lily Parrish and Brayden Poole.

Courtesy Charles Inman

Each Friday afternoon, law enforcement students at Area 30 take part in physical exercises and activities designed to better prepare them for entry-level law enforcement and public safety careers.

Students recently spent the afternoon at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department’s obstacle course. The obstacle course is a test of physical fitness for first responders like police officers, firefighters and EMS technicians.

The course includes cargo nets, a wall climb, balance beams, vertical rope climb and rappel, over/under obstacles, running exercises and more.

The physical demands that first responders face each day make exercises such as the obstacle course a valuable part in preparing for the job by challenging physical fitness, stamina and strength.

The law enforcement program at Area 30 gives students an opportunity to learn some of the skills and concepts needed for success at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and a career in police work.

This blend of safety, law enforcement, investigation, ethics, human relations and equipment training offers an in-depth view into the world of criminal justice and public safety.