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

Terrorism Prevention and Response

‘Without hesitation’: NYPD sergeant ran toward lit IED as chief tackled suspect

NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards tackled the suspect while Sgt. Luis Navarro ran toward a lit improvised explosive device to protect nearby protesters

March 10, 2026 01:37 PM

What Cops Want

Police1 launches ‘What Cops Want in 2026: Life on Shift’ survey

This year’s survey examines what officers experience during a patrol shift — from call load and backup availability to reporting time and proactive policing opportunities

March 10, 2026 11:29 PM

 · 

Police1 Staff

First Responder Wellness Week

First Responder Wellness Week returns with 5 days of focused, practical learning

Free webinars and daily wellness resources will address injury recovery, mental health, resilience and agency wellness strategy

March 10, 2026 05:19 PM

 · 

Police1 Staff

Terrorism Prevention and Response

FBI: NYC ‘ISIS-inspired terrorists’ that threw IEDs wanted to carry out attack bigger than Boston Marathon bombings

Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi face numerous federal charges, including a terror charge and using a weapon of mass destruction charge, after the weekend incident outside the mayor’s mansion

March 10, 2026 09:59 AM

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

Company News

Inventory Management Software

Traka launches Touch Core key cabinet, expanding access to professional-grade key management

Traka Touch Core is a compact electronic key cabinet designed to deliver professional-grade key control for small and mid-sized organisations and multi-site operations

March 06, 2026 06:34 PM