Not your average classroom: A front-row seat to public safety in Bay City

What really happens behind the scenes when a police officer responds to a call or a firefighter rush into a burning building? What goes through an officer’s mind during a traffic stop? How do first responders make split-second decisions when lives are on the line? For most of us, our understanding of public safety comes from what we see on television, read in the news or scroll past on social media. But the Bay City Department of Public Safety (BCDPS) is giving residents an opportunity to experience a side of the profession that few ever get to see.

The Citizen’s Public Safety Academy is a 10-week program that takes participants beyond the badge and into the everyday lives of Bay City’s police officers and firefighters. Through interactive presentations, realistic scenarios and plenty of hands-on activities, participants gain a better understanding of what it takes to protect their community. Along the way, they discover something equally important: the people behind the uniforms.

The man behind the program is Lieutenant Jim Lyman, whose enthusiasm for the academy is hard to miss. More than three years ago, he was asked to explore the possibility of creating a citizen’s academy for Bay City. Drawing inspiration from a neighboring department, Lyman developed a curriculum that incorporates both law enforcement and firefighting, creating an experience that is particularly unique to BCDPS.

“I’m proud to share the passion I have for my profession with the community that I serve,” says Lyman.

For him, the academy is about more than explaining policies and procedures. It’s an opportunity to replace assumptions with understanding and give residents a firsthand look at why first responders do what they do. While most people recognize a police car or fire truck, few get to see the training, preparation and teamwork that go into every emergency response.

Throughout the program, participants explore nearly every corner of the department, from patrol operations and criminal investigations to fire suppression and emergency medical response. They tour facilities, meet the people responsible for keeping Bay City safe and discover just how many moving parts are involved in protecting a community. The experience encourages questions, curiosity and conversations that might never happen during an ordinary encounter with law enforcement.

Of course, this isn’t your typical classroom experience. Participants aren’t simply sitting through lectures or watching videos. They’re rolling up their sleeves, stepping outside their comfort zones and trying their hand at some of the very things first responders train to do.

Take traffic stops, for example. Most drivers have experienced the flashing lights of a patrol car in their rearview mirror, but few have considered everything an officer must evaluate before approaching a vehicle. Through presentations and simulated traffic stops, participants learn why officers follow certain procedures and how quickly an otherwise routine interaction can become unpredictable. It’s an eye-opening experience that encourages people to consider situations from a different perspective.

The academy also introduces participants to some of the department’s specialized operations, including its Canine Unit and one particularly popular four-legged employee, K9 Loki. While learning about the important role police dogs play in law enforcement, participants also have the opportunity to meet Loki and, of course, sneak in a few belly scratches. It’s moments like these that bring a little laughter into the experience and remind participants that public safety professionals have personalities, senses of humor and a genuine love for what they do.

Other sessions tackle more serious subjects, including use of force, firearm safety and deadly force encounters. Through Taser deployment simulations, airsoft shooting practice and realistic scenarios, participants experience the pressure of making decisions when circumstances can change in an instant. These exercises offer a greater appreciation for the extensive training, judgment and responsibility required of law enforcement officers.

But the academy isn’t just about understanding what first responders do. It’s also about learning practical skills that could make a difference in an emergency. Stop the Bleed training introduces techniques for controlling serious bleeding, while civilian response to active shooter events provides information about protecting oneself and others during dangerous situations. These are lessons participants can carry with them long after the program ends.

Technology also plays an important role in modern public safety, and participants get an inside look at the department’s Drone Unit. From flight operations to thermal imaging and tracking capabilities, the demonstrations highlight how specialized equipment helps officers locate individuals, assess situations and respond more effectively. What might look like a small aircraft overhead is another valuable tool in protecting the community.

The firefighting portion of the academy is equally memorable. Participants learn about vehicle extrication; the hazards associated with serious crashes and the specialized equipment firefighters use to rescue trapped occupants. Through demonstrations and practical scenarios, they see the precision, physical strength and teamwork required to safely remove someone from a damaged vehicle while providing patient care.

A visit to Fire Station 1 offers even more opportunities to experience the profession firsthand. Participants practice stretching hose lines, wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, performing victim rescues and operating the aerial ladder. It’s one thing to watch firefighters work from a safe distance. It’s another way to feel the weight of their equipment and experience how physically demanding even a small part of the job can be.

Training Officer BJ Weaver, who helps lead the fire operations portions of the academy, says the experience often changes how participants view the profession. “I have had past students tell me they were totally surprised by the amount of work and effort both jobs require,” shares Weaver.

He recalls one participant’s observation that has stayed with him: “I can see the amount of passion the police officers and firefighters have for their job and taking care of the community.” For Weaver, that recognition means a great deal. “I am happy we get to share our passion for our professions and how much we care about our community with others.”

The academy also pulls back the curtain on the investigative side of law enforcement. Participants learn how detectives approach cases, how crime scenes are processed and how evidence helps investigators piece together what happened. They even have their fingerprints taken and examine their unique patterns under magnifying glasses. Presentations on specialized law enforcement partnerships, including the MidMichigan Safe Streets Task Force, demonstrate the collaboration required to address violent crime.

While much of the academy focuses on equipment, tactics and emergency response, one of its most meaningful discussions centers on something less visible: the well-being of the people doing the work. Lyman leads a session on officer wellness, exploring the physical, emotional and mental health challenges that accompany a career in public safety.

Behind every uniform is a person who experiences stress, carries difficult memories and returns home to family and friends after a shift. First responders are often expected to be strong, calm and prepared for anything, even when facing circumstances most people will never encounter. Understanding that human side of the profession is just as important as understanding the equipment they carry or the procedures they follow.

For Lyman, helping residents see the bigger picture is at the heart of the academy. He recognizes that public perceptions of police officers and firefighters are often shaped by news coverage and social media, which rarely tell the entire story. By opening the department’s doors, the academy creates an opportunity for honest conversations and a better understanding of not only what first responders do, but why they do it.

“I can honestly say that the Citizen’s Public Safety Academy is my favorite thing each year,” he shares. “Sharing the love and respect I have for this career has been an extremely humbling experience.”

The program concludes with a graduation ceremony, where participants receive certificates of completion and department challenge coins. But the real reward isn’t something they can frame or display. It’s the knowledge they’ve gained, the relationships they’ve developed and the perspective they carry back into their community.

Perhaps that’s what makes this program so special. It’s not simply an opportunity to learn how a public safety department operates. It’s a chance to meet the people who show up on someone else’s worst day, hear their stories, share a few laughs and discover the dedication and compassion that motivate them to serve.

In a world where public safety is often discussed through headlines and social media commentary, the Citizen’s Public Safety Academy offers something refreshingly different: real conversations, shared experiences and genuine human connections. Participants walk away with a greater appreciation for their local first responders, while officers and firefighters can connect with the people they serve outside of an emergency.

Ten weeks. Countless memorable experiences. A whole new perspective on public safety. And quite possibly, a few new friends along the way.

Interested in experiencing it for yourself? Follow the Bay City Department of Public Safety on Facebook and watch for posts next summer announcing applications for the 2027 Citizen’s Public Safety Academy. You won’t want to miss it!