DOS Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards talking with Plymouth State University students at a recent Criminal Justice Symposium at PSU. (Courtesy of DOS)

PLYMOUTH – Plymouth State University (PSU) held a Criminal Justice Career Symposium, heralding in a new partnership between PSU and the New Hampshire Department of Safety (DOS), on Tuesday. The partnership will provide students with access to internship opportunities and the first steps toward careers in public safety.

“There are countless benefits to the state if young Granite Staters who are interested in a public safety career can do that right at home,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “New Hampshire already ranks at the top for education and safety. This type of partnership can help us continue that strong success by preparing our kids for the workforce within communities they’re already familiar with.”

DOS Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards delivered keynote remarks at the Symposium.

“It is our hope that the wide variety of student interests at Plymouth State and the vast opportunities here at the Department will strongly complement each other. Together, we can help prepare those who want to dedicate their lives to be on the frontline of emergencies and law enforcement,” Edwards said. “We are always looking to hire good people and we believe this partnership will be a tremendous asset to our training and recruitment efforts. In addition, we are building a bridge between community and public safety, which is on par with recommendations from the Governor’s Commission on Law Enforcement Accountability, Community and Transparency. This is truly a game changer for those who are interested in public service and the State.”

More than 250 students attended the Symposium, which took place in PSU’s Hartman Union Building (HUB), with a display of a variety of emergency response equipment and safety demonstrations on Alumni Green. Each division from the DOS was represented with hands-on equipment displays, question and answer sessions and an informational tour. The seven divisions who participated are Administration, Emergency Services and Communications (Enhanced 9-1-1), Fire Safety (Office of the State Fire Marshal), Fire Standards and Training & Emergency Medical Services (Fire Academy), Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Motor Vehicles and State Police.

There were K-9 demonstrations by the Division of Fire Safety, a 4X4 All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) staffed by a radio communications tech to demonstrate remote call-taking provided by the Division of Emergency Services and Communications, and various emergency vehicles from New Hampshire State Police and the Division of Fire Standards and Training & Emergency Medical Services. These displays and demonstrations were meant to pique students’ curiosity and showcase the diversity of careers students can explore within each division.

“The partnership consecrated this week is wonderful news for the State of New Hampshire and PSU, and we are excited to work with Assistant Commissioner Edwards and all seven agencies that make up the DOS to serve our students and state,” said PSU Criminology & Criminal Justice Program Director Mark Fischler, JD. “It is yet another example of how PSU’s unique Cluster Learning Model prepares its students for the real world, with interdisciplinary study, hands-on experience and community partnerships. The combined strength of our engaged students, top criminologists and sociologists and veteran first responders and safety administrators will build careers and lead to a more safe and secure state.”

As a public institution of higher education, PSU is committed to meeting the needs of the state. This partnership not only creates invaluable learning experiences for university students, it also provides them with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others through a career with DOS, fulfilling Plymouth State’s motto of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

To learn more about Plymouth State University, visit www.plymouth.edu.