Community Newsletter | Summer 2026 Issue

Ready for the Call

OCC prepares future first responders through immersive training and rigorous academics

Oakland Community College's Emergency Services Academy has long been known for preparing first responders. Beyond its high-profile training grounds and simulated environments, the Academy delivers a deeply structured academic program—one of the strongest in the region—and plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of public safety professionals.

At its core, the Academy centers on three primary pathways: Police (including 911 Dispatch, K-9, and more), Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (including EMT and Paramedic training).

Each program blends rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on experience, ensuring students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

"We really are giving students and agencies the best of both worlds," said David Ceci, Executive Director of Emergency Services Academies and Dean of Public Services. "They receive excellent, high-level instruction in the classroom, and then they’re applying it in realistic environments."

Those environments define the Academy's approach. OCC's training facilities act as simulation labs, where students move beyond lectures into scenario-based learning. Police, Fire and EMS cadets train in a "tactical village" featuring homes, a bank, a convenience store—spaces designed to mirror real-life settings. Fire students also train in a burn tower that uses controlled fuel sources to demonstrate how fire behaves, allowing them to anticipate and respond to dangerous conditions.

"These real-life structures really benefit all three emergency service areas," Ceci said. "Students
are training in spaces that resemble what they'll face out on the street."

Technology adds another layer to that experience. The Police Academy uses virtual reality and use-of-force simulators to place students in immersive, high-pressure situations. There, they must make split-second decisions using tools like firearms, pepper spray and batons as well as verbal de-escalation.

While the facilities stand out, OCC Provost Dr. Jolene Chapman said the Academy's academic rigor truly sets it apart.

"The labs simulate real-life scenarios, and that’s very exciting," Chapman said. "And the program is incredibly robust. OCC's Police and Fire Academies award more credits than any other academy in the state. It continues to grow because the need is there."

That academic rigor starts with the faculty. About 170 instructors teach across the Police, Fire and EMS programs, bringing deep, real-world experience into the classroom. Command-level firefighters, law enforcement specialists, prosecutors and subject-matter experts lead courses in everything from crime scene investigation and defense tactics to criminal law and procedures.

"We bring in people who have years of experience on the job as well as fresh talent," Ceci said. "They're specialists in their fields, and they're teaching hundreds of different topics across the academies."

The curriculum extends well beyond basic training. In addition to foundational academies, OCC offers advanced instruction in detective work, evidence technology and specialized investigative techniques for cases such as fraud and sexual assault.

Upon completing the programs, students earn certificates and are eligible to sit for state licensing exams. Police Academy graduates can pursue licensure in Michigan, while EMT and Paramedic students qualify for their respective certification exams. Fire Academy graduates also earn additional credentials, including hazardous materials certification.

Strong outcomes reflect that preparation. The Police Academy boasts 99% completion and licensure pass rates, while the Fire Academy sits in the 90th percentile for both.

"Our academies give students a very strong foundation," Ceci said. "They go on to their agencies and continue to build on those skills by working with experienced professionals."

The Academy's scale also sets it apart.

As one of the largest programs of its kind in Michigan, it draws students from across the state and beyond, including the Upper Peninsula and neighboring states. Some arrive sponsored by local agencies, while others enroll independently, creating a diverse learning environment that reflects the communities they will serve.

That diversity aligns with OCC's broader mission, Chapman said.

"Community colleges serve students with a wide range of goals," she said. "What we offer through the Emergency Services Academy is an opportunity to enter a meaningful career with xcellent preparation."

Equally important is the culture within the Academy—one rooted in professionalism, discipline and service.

"When I walk through the labs with David Ceci, students stop and acknowledge us," Chapman said. "They’re professional, and they understand the seriousness of the work they're preparing for."

For Ceci, that mindset matters as much as technical skill.

"It’s not just about what they can do—it's about how they serve," he said. "We instill care and compassion for the community. That creates better first responders and enhances everyone’s safety."

In the end, that blend of academic rigor, real-world training and experienced instruction defines OCC's Emergency Services Academy and helps protect communities across Oakland County and throughout Michigan.

 

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Earn Free College Credits Before Graduating High School

Dual Enrollment and Early College programs accelerate student success

High school students can get a head start on college through several tuition-free programs at Oakland Community College that allow them to earn college credit—or even an associate degree—while still in high school.

Through Dual Enrollment and Early College programs, students can take online or in-person OCC classes across dozens of subjects, gaining both college credit and early college experience.

"It’s the ultimate way to dip your toe into the water to see what college classes are about," said Jeremy Guc, OCC Executive Director of Admissions and K-12 Partnerships. "Students who participate often have better college outcomes because they've already built that experience. Some graduate high school with an associate degree or are halfway toward earning a bachelor’s degree."

Gage Pouget, who graduated early from Hazel Park High School, began taking Dual Enrollment classes during his junior year.

"My goal was to complete some general education classes before enrolling at a four-year university," he said.

At OCC, Gage completed courses in psychology, math, Spanish, sign language and ceramics.

"Dual Enrollment really prepared me for university classes," he said. "The OCC faculty treated me like a regular college student. I picked up valuable time management and life skills."

Gage plans to study pre-med or pre-dental at a four-year university and is awaiting admissions decisions for fall 2026.

"I recommend Dual Enrollment for any high school student," he said. "It's a great way to save money while completing college-level classes early."

Sofia Juarez Camacho, a Stony Creek High School student participating in Oakland Technical Early College, is also gaining a head start. During her 13th year, she is studying mechatronics and has earned about 60 college credits.

"I really like building and creating things," she said. "The program has allowed me to get ahead of my peers and open doors."

With help from OCC faculty, Sofia secured an internship with Slater Tools in Clinton Township. After OCC, she plans to attend Michigan State University to study aerospace engineering and hopes to work for NASA as an aerospace welder.

"It's a big commitment, but I highly recommend it," she said. "Work hard and dream big."

Earn College Credits in High School

 

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