Phoenix, AZ – A dedication ceremony was
held this morning at the Franklin Police & Fire High School where a new
obstacle course to be used by the students of Franklin High School was
opened. The main contributors for the obstacle course were the U.S. Marshals
Posse and D.L. Withers Construction.
Opened in 2007, Phoenix Union’s Franklin Police & Fire High School is a
unique learning environment and is the first of its kind in the nation. The
high school offers an academic high school education and provides students
with a foundation for a career in public safety. Classes at Franklin High
School are taught by public safety professionals who are experts in their
field. Additionally, the school partners with both the Phoenix police and
fire departments to provide students opportunities such as internships,
physical training and special employment programs.
Created in 1988, the U.S. Marshals Posse was formed to assist in the
celebration of the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Marshals Service. Since
then the posse has become the public relations arm for the U.S. Marshals in
the District of Arizona. An all volunteer organization, with membership
exceeding 50 members, the posse has participated in a wide range of
community activities including the Fiesta Bowl Parade, Cave Creek Frontier
Days, the Scottsdale Parada del Sol and Prescott Police Department’s Shop
with a Cop program for underprivileged children.
United States Marshal David Gonzales added, “The Franklin Police and Fire
High School serves a critical need in our community. This special High
School prepares young students for a career in public safety. The Franklin
School is a model for the country and the dedication of the obstacle course,
built and paid for by private funds, is a testament to the respect we have
for the students and teachers.”
The obstacle course was made possible by numerous contributors including:
Brown Custom Fence, Concrete Structures Inc., Canyon State Masonry, DTR
Landscape Development, Madison Industries, Tot Turf, Surface Gel Tek and the
Officer Rob Targosz Foundation.
“It’s not just the students or staff, or even the historical building … it’s
the energy you feel when you step on the Franklin campus that makes you want
to be part of a greater good”, stated Dr. Ybarra, Principal at Franklin
Police and Fire High School. She went on to say, “We are blessed to have
community partners like U.S. Marshal, David Gonzales and his Posse, who
simply ask us what we need to make our students better. Not another word was
said … within a month we had the Obstacle Course we are dedicating here
today. The men and women who continue to provide Franklin students with the
things they need will always be part of our Franklin family.” |