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LAPLACE—Middle school students at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary in LaPlace learned about career opportunities as well as the operations of St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office during a visit last week to the Lloyd B. Johnson Law Enforcement Training Center in LaPlace.

Sheriff Mike Tregre spoke to the students about life choices, and he told them they always have a choice. While family, teachers and friends may be there to offer love, advice and support, Sheriff Tregre told the group they are the ones who are in control of their lives. And, they can do whatever they want as long as they make the right choices. He encouraged them to develop good keyboarding skills since many jobs require proficiency with word processing software and urged them to learn a second language to enhance their career opportunities.

Captain Chip Wale spoke about careers in law enforcement ranging from 911 communications to information technology to drone operations and from patrol to corrections to SWAT. He also talked about the continuous training for law enforcement, which is essential to improve skills, increase professionalism, and enhance overall job performance.

Demonstrations on the use of robotics and a taser were among the highlights. Students also were led on a tour the training center and shooting range.