Fire Science Seniors Jones and Lawrence participate in Cooperatives

“What a great experience!” both Lindsay Jones and Jacqueline Lawrence expressed when speaking of their recent Cooperative Learning experiences. Both fire science majors transferred to NJCU in the fall of 2010 and have been pursuing their dreams of earning a bachelor’s degree in fire science. They both plan to graduate in May 2012.

Lindsay Jones has always had an interest in the fire service. Her family has been involved for many years and Lindsay herself has been a member of the Herbertsville Fire Company, Brick, NJ since 2008. Jones received her A.S. degree from Ocean County College. Knowing that “fire science is a great program at NJCU”, she transferred and is now working toward earning her bachelor’s degree. Being from south Jersey, Jones takes mostly online and Communiversity courses. However, she was also wanting that hands on experience, and decided that she would pursue a cooperative learning experience. After working together with Dean Brianik in the Career Planning and Placement Department, her cooperative was set. Jones was placed with the New Jersey State Police Arson and Bomb Squad.

She was nervous at first, not knowing what to expect, but open minded to what she was about to experience. “The staff at the NJSP Arson and Bomb Squad were great. They were patient, understanding and treated me respectfully. I was given the chance to learn and experience this field of service.” Her experiences ranged from participating in staff meetings to fire investigation. Jones was involved in training classes which included: Post Bomb Investigations and Arson Awareness. She was the only non -law enforcement personnel there. Jones also had the opportunity to be a team member of a house fire investigation.

When asked about an overview of her experience she said, “It was the best. I felt involved and made contacts for future employment. I met people from Monmouth and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Offices, and individuals from the FBI. Another aspect of the cooperative was that it supported my thoughts on what I want to do for a career, I want a career in a County Prosecutor’s Arson and Investigation Office.”

Jacqueline Lawrence came to NJCU from Camden County College with an A.A.S. degree. She studied to be a Paramedic. Jacqueline, just like Lindsay had a yearning for the fire service. She was a member of the Herbertsville Fire Company, Brick, NJ from 2006 – 2010, and after moving she joined the Ferrell Fire Company, Elks Twp., NJ in 2010.

She chose to do a cooperative hoping that this would help her decide what direction she wanted to move towards once she earned her degree. Lawrence’s Cooperative Learning experience was with the Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management (OEM). She stated that she never felt like an intern. She attended meetings, was asked for her suggestions and she stated that they even acted upon some of her suggestions! “They included me in on everything. They trained me to be able to take a position in OEM. I was even given the opportunity to attend a weeklong conference on “Emergency Preparedness”. One of the most exciting experiences of the cooperative was that “I was part of the planning process for a countywide drill involving an influenza outbreak”. The experience did help her decide what she wanted to do once she graduates. Lawrence said that her career goal was to obtain a position as an Emergency Management Coordinator.

Jones and Lawrence both felt that their cooperatives were of great value and would be interested in doing others. When I asked Jones what she thought she stated, “Absolutely do it. It can only help you. Be open -minded and get as much out of it as you can!”