On May 2, forensic students at Collins Career Technical Center took part in a simulation that taught them how to handle hazardous materials.

With the help of a Lawrence County SWAT team, the students learned about how to process a crime scene.

In the case of this exercise, it was a simulated contamination of fentanyl, the deadly drug present in so many overdoses.

In addition to learning how to seal evidence and practice building entries, they were also instructed on crime scene decontamination.

As our region struggles with the opioid epidemic, such scenes are, sadly, all too common.

That’s why future first responders and members of law enforcement need the best training.

The hands-on event gives them the best possible education on this topic.

We are thankful that CCTC and all involved worked to bring it to them.