MPTC Welding Students Construct SWAT Team Training Device

Students in Moraine Park’s Welding program were put to the test as they were asked to construct a door frame that could withstand the strength of a trained SWAT team. This unique opportunity came along when the college was approached by the Fond du Lac Police Department with an idea to build a steel door frame that their SWAT team could use in door breaching drills.

“In the past, we would have to borrow this device from other counties, which can be time consuming,” said Ben Colwin, Fond du Lac Police Department assistant SWAT team leader. “In talking with other agencies, it was recommended that we seek the help of our local technical college.”

The project was a perfect fit for Moraine Park’s welding students and, more specifically, it complemented the curriculum for the Fabrication for Welders class. The project began with a planning phase in spring 2014, and then the fall 2014 class followed up with the actual fabrication of the frame. Students used donated steel from McNeilus Steel, Inc., of Fond du Lac to construct a heavy-duty frame that is adjustable to accommodate doors ranging from 55 to 96 inches wide.

In the picture: Students and staff from Moraine Park Technical College’s Welding program collaborate with the Fond du Lac Police Department to construct a steel door frame for SWAT team training.

 

From left: Jeff Beach, Moraine Park welding instructor; Ben Colwin, Fond du Lac Police Department assistant SWAT team leader; Michael Schladweiler, Jr., Kewaskum, welding student.