A new partnership between CPACTC and Cumberland County 911 is reshaping how local students enter the public safety workforce. Launched this Fall, the initiative allows Criminal Justice students to complete the Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC) certification, an industry‑recognized credential that prepares them for the demanding responsibilities of emergency dispatch.
The impact was immediate. Three students, Xander Moyer from Boiling Springs HS, Lillian Short from Red Land HS, and Addison Gonzalez from Susquenita HS, earned their certification and were subsequently hired by Cumberland County 911 to complete a Cooperative Education Capstone Experience. Their transition from classroom learners to active trainees inside a real 911 center marks a major milestone for both the students and the county’s public safety operations.
For Xander, Lillian, and Addison, attending CPACTC marked the moment when their interest in criminal justice truly started to take shape. Each of them brought a natural curiosity to the program, whether it was an early pull toward law enforcement, a fascination with forensics, or an interest in investigative work. Once they began the Emergency Telecommunicator course, that curiosity grew into something more focused. Seeing how a 911 center operates gave them a deeper understanding of public safety and introduced them to a role they had not imagined before. The experience made the co‑op opportunity feel like a natural next step and opened the door to a world they were excited to explore.
Choosing to participate in Co‑Op Capstone meant stepping into real responsibility while still in high school. The fast‑paced, technical nature of emergency dispatch has challenged Xander, Lillian and Addison in meaningful ways, and they have quickly found themselves motivated by the purpose behind the work.
Now working inside the 911 center, each student is immersed in training and learning the complex systems that support emergency response. Xander, Lillian and Addison have gained a deep appreciation for the people whose voices guide callers through stressful moments…professionals who coordinate help, gather critical information, and support first responders around the clock.
The work can be demanding. Learning multiple software systems and absorbing new information every day takes focus and patience, but the progress feels rewarding. Every new skill brings Xander, Lillian and Addison closer to being fully prepared for a career that requires calm thinking, accuracy, and confidence.
Looking ahead, all three hope to continue in public safety after graduation, ideally remaining with Cumberland County. What began as a classroom experience has become the foundation of a career path centered on helping people when they need it most.
When asked what they would tell future students, their message is simple: take the chance. Co‑op Capstone opens doors, builds confidence, and offers real‑world experience that goes far beyond what can be learned in a classroom. Xander, Lillian and Addison encourage other CPACTC students to embrace opportunities, even the ones they never expected to pursue.
This partnership represents a significant advancement for both CPACTC and Cumberland County 911. It creates a direct, streamlined pathway into essential public safety roles while helping the county cultivate its future workforce. Most importantly, it empowers students to discover meaningful careers where they can make a difference from day one.