Photo: The helicopter landing scenario took place in the parking lot next to the baseball field.

Thirty-five Lakeland Community College criminal justice and military veteran students got the rare chance to take part in a U.S. Secret Service (USSS) training exercise.

The opportunity came via the USSS Cleveland Field Office which conducted campaign protection training on the Lakeland campus recently in preparation for the 2020 election.

Participants and partners in the exercise included more than 100 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Laketran Public Transit provided campuswide transportation for the trainees from site to site. Lakeland students served as role players to act as crowds, protesters and dignitaries.

"This originally started as a way to promote the opportunities with our criminal justice partners through the Holden University Center," said criminal justice professor and program director Greg Truhan, a retired Secret Service agent. "But after a tour of the college, instead of just using the Holden University Center for one day of classroom training, they decided they could use the entire campus."

The exercises included a helicopter landing zone, multiple motorcade scenarios utilizing all campus roadways, Mooreland Mansion and the Holden University Center for indoor/outdoor speeches and crowd interactions.

"It was a great opportunity for our students to see the relevance of their education for career preparation, to participate and watch the training, and to network with those who work in the field," said Truhan. "And the experience makes a great addition to their resumes."

By: Jessica Novak