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Law Enforcement Academy Students Volunteer to Make Big Rapids Better

Cecil QueenFerris State University’s Law Enforcement Academy is giving back to the Big Rapids through community service for charitable organizations.

LEA students have logged more than 1,000 hours of community service this academic year – including the Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 semesters. The students’ spring goal was to exceed their 375 volunteer hours from the fall semester.

“The students have been challenged to make Big Rapids a better place than what it was before they arrived,” said Cecil Queen, an associate professor and coordinator of the academy.

How the 42 LEA students make Big Rapids a better place, through community service, is up to them, according to Queen.

Academy students are working to become approved sports coaches for Michigan Special Olympics in the Big Rapids community. Students have assisted basketball coaches in the Special Olympics program to help develop fundamental skills.

The LEA students assisted the local Big Rapids Habitat for Humanity to increase its hours of operation. Students volunteer free time to Habitat for Humanity to allow for extended hours of store operation.

The students also devote nights and weekends to work with Our Brother’s Keeper, a shelter that provides temporary housing for people who are homeless and seeking safety or a place to stay as they transition into a more permanent housing situation. Academy students serve dinner at the shelter every Thursday night in addition to other volunteer services at that agency and in the community.