Paladin

Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: News

After 30 contestants were narrowed down to six, LBCC student Brian Lussier and Job Corps student Alejandro Rodriguez ultimately won the positions of Chief for a Day on Monday, March 3.

Both winners toured the Long Beach Police Department communications Center and had the chance to observe police officers and the K-9 unit in training at the police academy on Carson Street, March 10.

Director of Community and Governmental Relations Mark Taylor said, "The contest is a good stepping stone for students who want to be successful in the academy." Taylor had lunch with Lussier, Alejandro and Lt. Julie Prior at the LAC English lounge before the winners headed to the academy.

Sponsored by the Long Beach Police Department and Long Beach Unified School District, the 11-year-old contest requires the candidates to write an essay describing how they prepare themselves for a possible career in law enforcement.

18-year-old Lussier, an administrative justice major, said he was inspired to join the contest by a friend who is in the academy.

One of the highlights of the day is when Lussier and Rodriguez got to fire six shots with a current standard-issue gun at the academy's shooting range with guidance from police officer Mike Cobb.

20-year-old Rodriguez said he's never fired a gun before. He said with a sigh after firing the gun, "There are no words to describe it. It felt good and weird at the same time."

Rodriguez said he plans to attend LBCC in the future and wishes to major in computer science.

Lussier remained speechless as Cobb showed more gun tricks.

The two ended their day on a visit to the K-9 cemetery after they watched10-year-old K-9 Rudy chased around a police officer in a 'bite suit' on the K-9 unit training field.

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