History in the Making

John had some big shoes to fill. His father worked for decades at the Flint Fire Department, and John knew he wanted to give back to his community that has raised him to be the man he is today, but little did he know that the community would take him to places nobody has ever been before!

Before coming to GST Michigan Works! John was already employed and working as a firefighter through the Flint Fire Department, having already completed and received his firefighter and EMT certifications. During that time, there was an uptick in arson in the Flint area. The Flint Police Department, unfortunately, was ill-equipped to deal with the fires, and Flint Fire Chief Theron Wiggins knew he needed someone on his team to help. He knew there was only one man who was ready to do the job.

Chief Wiggins sent John to GST Michigan Works! with one thing in mind: to send John through the Law Enforcement Regional Training Academy (LERTA) through Mott Community College. With the help of the GST Michigan Works! Fenton Service Center Career Coaches, it was determined that John was eligible to enroll with LERTA.

Through GST Michigan Works! and Industry Infinity funding, the agency was able to provide funds for his training for the Police Academy, his new uniform, and mileage reimbursement expenses. After 16 weeks of training, John graduated from the Police Academy and received his Certificate of Completion.