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

Police Heroes

‘Great American hero': N.C. officer retires at 98 after 68 years of service

After James “XY” Brown served the Jacksonville PD as a full-time officer for 14 years, he became a school crossing guard, the role where he made his biggest impact on the community

December 08, 2025 11:40 AM

 · 

Joanna Putman

Artificial Intelligence

Canada PD pilot program tests bodycams equipped with facial recognition technology

The cameras being tested in Edmonton, Alberta, aim to identify individuals from a “high-risk” watchlist

December 08, 2025 12:32 PM

 · 

Joanna Putman

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Man opens fire at Mich. officers, including trainee, before fatal OIS

No officers were injured by the suspect’s gunfire, but shots that struck their cruisers showed they were “extremely close to getting hit,” Grand Rapids PD Chief Eric Winstrom said

December 09, 2025 10:25 AM

Legal

San Diego to pay $30M to family of 16-year-old fatally shot by LEO

Konoa Wilson was running away from a person shooting at him when he turned a corner to face a San Diego Police officer looking for the shooter; the officer fatally shot Wilson

December 08, 2025 01:00 PM

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

Company News

Weapon Accessories

Streamlight launches ultra-bright MegaStream HP USB

High-candela flashlight offers powerful downrange illumination in a compact, rechargeable design

December 08, 2025 03:57 PM