Last Tuesday at Copper Mountain College, educators from Fire Technology and Criminal Justice, EMT students, and CMC faculty hosted the President’s Circle BBQ, a complimentary dinner open to the public to discuss how CMC is strengthening public safety and to raise awareness on scholarship fundraising for students pursuing public safety careers.
Predating the college itself, The President’s Circle is a continuum of the group who established CMC, and currently includes CMC Foundation Executive Director Sandy Smith, CMC Foundation President Ron Sears, CMC President/Superintendent Dr. Darren Otten. Donors to the Presidents Circle were also present, many who are CMC alumni whose donations are $1000 or more per year.
The sprawling cookout took over the parking lot in front of CMC’s Bell Center, complete with a large BBQ smoker and make-shift cafeteria-style layout where brisket, baked potatoes, salad, fresh fruit, and an extensive array of desserts were served to around 100 hungry attendees supporting CMC’s public safety program.
CMC’s Fire Technology, Criminal Justice, and EMT instructor James Brakebill gave a heartfelt speech:
“Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate but to reinforce our commitment to the future of public safety. We are here to honor our public safety students both past and present whose dedication and courage inspire us all. Their journey towards becoming the next generation of heroes is one that deserves our full support and admiration. Our goal tonight is ambitious yet vital—we aim to raise funds to award scholarships to those exceptional students pursuing careers in public safety. These scholarships are more than just financial aid—they are tokens of our belief in their potential to make a difference to save lives and to uphold the security of our community.”
Brakebill emphasized their commitment to “train local people and hire local people to work and protect their community they grew up in.”
CMC President/Superintendent Dr. Darren Otten added further gratitude to the students in training and first responders present:
“As a community, we depend on you all—that’s the reality. You guys are the ones who are there on the worst days for all of our friends and neighbors. That’s a huge deal.”
Brakebill announced the four memorial scholarships available from past public safety leaders in the names of Sergeant Vaca, Sergeant Teel, EMT Jeff Tabor, and Judge Bert Swift.
To donate to the CMC Foundation towards public safety scholarships please visit:
