Oakland Community College is advancing emergency services education with the evolution of its Emergency Services Academy—an updated name that reflects the scope, scale and future of Michigan’s premier first-responder training programs. 

Formerly known as CREST, the new name represents far more than rebranding. It signals a comprehensive, multi-campus approach to training the next generation of police officers, firefighters, emergency medical professionals and other first responders. 

“The new name truly captures the full breadth of our work,” said David Ceci, Executive Director of Emergency Services Academies and Dean of Public Services. “With expanded programming and new facilities, the Emergency Services Academy reflects who we are and where we’re headed.”
 
Immersive, Real-World Training 

The academy has long been recognized for excellence in training first responders. Since 1967, the academy has trained more than 5,000 police officers and grown into the largest and most comprehensive regional programs of its kind in Michigan.

Today, it is offering three primary pathways:

  • Police Academy including basic and advance academies, 911 Dispatch, K-9, and specialized law enforcement
  • Fire Academy - nationally and internationally accredited
  • Emergency Medical Services including EMT and Paramedic training

Advanced instruction also includes detective work, evidence technology and specialized investigations. 

With approximately 170 instructors, all of them active or former professionals in their fields, the academy combines academic rigor with real-world expertise. OCC’s Police and Fire academies award more academic credits than any other programs of their kind statewide, with exceptional outcomes, including a 99% Police Academy completion and licensure pass rate and Fire Academy licensure pass rates in the 90th percentile. 


Hands-on, experiential learning is central to the academy’s approach. Students train in a simulated “tactical village” featuring homes, a bank, a convenience store and other real-life environments. Fire cadets gain experience in a controlled burn tower, while police trainees use advanced virtual reality and use-of-force simulators. 

“Our students receive high-level classroom instruction and immediately apply it in realistic, scenario-based environments that mirror what they’ll face in the field.” Ceci said. 
 
Major Facility Investments Underway 

OCC is investing in expanded emergency services training facilities to meet growing regional and statewide demand.

At the Auburn Hills campus, a 65,000-square-foot indoor training facility will create a fully immersive “indoor city,” with a school, office, restaurant and convenience store. The facility will complement the existing outdoor simulated city and include:

  • A 15-lane indoor firearms range with extended rifle lanes
  • Modern classrooms and computer labs
  • Space for student instruction and external agency training 

Construction is expected to begin this summer, with an anticipated opening in early 2028. 

At the Southfield campus, a new nine-acre driving pad—scheduled for completion in fall 2026—will provide a dedicated space for emergency vehicle operations training for police, fire and EMS personnel to safely practice real-world driving scenarios.  

“We’re modernizing our facilities and expanding access to high-quality training,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano. “These investments strengthen our long-standing service and commitment to our students and community.” 

Serving Communities with Excellence and Compassion 

Beyond facilities and curriculum, the Emergency Services Academy emphasizes professionalism, discipline and community-centered service. 

“It’s not just about what students can do—it’s about how they serve,” Ceci said. “We instill care and compassion, because that’s ultimately what makes our communities safer.” 

The Academy attracts agency-sponsored recruits and independent students from across Michigan and neighboring states, creating a diverse, real-world learning environment and reflects the communities the graduates will serve. 

Looking Ahead 

As OCC’s Emergency Services Academy moves forward under its new name, it remains focused on its mission: delivering exceptional training that prepares graduates for meaningful, high-impact careers in public safety. 

“The takeaway is that we’re investing in the community,” Chancellor Provenzano said. “Everything we’re building is for the public good.” 

With expanded facilities, innovative training methods and a renewed vision, OCC’s Emergency Services Academy is positioned to shape the future of public safety in Oakland County, the region, state and beyond—one highly trained responder at a time. 
 
About OCC       
Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s  America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at  oaklandcc.edu.        
  

###  

  
  
Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu