Wash. high school welding students help modify police cruisers for training

By Minka Atkinson
The Daily News, Longview, Wash.

KELSO, Wash. — Kelso High School’s advanced welding classes are partnering with the Kelso Police Department to modify two decommissioned vehicles for officers to train with.

Kelso Police will use the vehicles to practice Precision Immobilization Technique maneuvers, or PIT maneuvers, which are used to end vehicle pursuits, according to a district press release.

Students led by welding instructor Steve Mahitka are fabricating and installing pit bars to allow the training vehicles to withstand repeated impacts without being damaged. They expect to finish the first vehicle by late November. Work on the second vehicle will begin next trimester.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to work on something that will be put to good use,” said student Dale Pippin in the news release, “not just for a grade.”

Trending

Legal

Mass. officer who shot off-duty colleague after she allegedly tried to kill him takes stand in her trial

North Andover Police Officer Patrick Noonan testified that Kelsey Fitzsimmons grabbed a gun, raised it and pulled the trigger, forcing him to shoot her

March 25, 2026 10:59 AM

Ambush

U.S. Park Police officer wounded in ambush, agency states

Park Police Chief Scott Brecht said in a press briefing that the officer was ambushed by two gunmen who fired at the officer as he drove by in an unmarked vehicle

March 24, 2026 09:55 AM

Officer-Involved Shootings

3 Fla. officers cleared in 2019 fatal shooting due to state’s ‘stand your ground’ law

A judge ruled that three Miami-Dade officers could not be prosecuted in the bystander’s death because they had reason to believe deadly force was necessary to end a confrontation with suspects

March 24, 2026 10:15 AM

Arrests and Sentencing

Dashcam: Repeat offender nabbed for 98th time by Wash. deputies following pursuit

Thurston County deputies initially pursued the man on suspicion of organized retail theft; he was arrested on charges of DUI, eluding and possession of narcotics

March 24, 2026 11:51 AM

 · 

Joanna Putman

© 2025 The Daily News, Longview, Wash.. Visit www.tdn.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Company News

Badges

Smith & Warren Pink Badge Program raises $12,347 for National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc

“The Pink Badge program has become a meaningful way for public safety professionals to support a cause that affects so many families,” said Lee Galperin, President of Smith & Warren.

March 19, 2026 05:30 PM