Local SkillsUSA Championships at Mid-Maine Technical Center in Waterville
Messalonskee senior Ian McCurdy knew he had to be precise with his foot placement as he handcuffed his suspect – to do otherwise could have resulted in a criminal on the run.
“You have put your foot behind one of their feet,” McCurdy explained, “so in case they try to get away, it’s easier to take them down.”
McCurdy passed the test in fine fashion, the second of four challenges he faced in the recent Local SkillsUSA Championships at Mid-Maine Technical Center in Waterville.
SkillsUSA is a national education nonprofit association that provides resources and support to those seeking careers in the technical, trade, and skilled-service professions.
When the final scores were tallied, McCurdy, who plans to pursue a career in either firefighting or law enforcement, emerged as the gold medal winner in the criminal justice category of the Local Skills competition.
McCurdy is one of several Messalonskee students who earned a gold medal in the championships. The other first-place finishers are Jordan Harris, automotive service technology; Nick Breton, auto tool identification; Dana Stevens, Chopped (a culinary arts category); Adam Brann, commercial baking; Riley Lam, wedding cake decorating; Justin Sardano, television-video production; Thomas Tracy, first aid/CPR; and Carter Bragg, firefighting.
Several other Messalonskee students earned silver or bronze medals in the meet (see the attached list for the comprehensive results).
McCurdy competed on four consecutive days in the criminal justice championship. Along with the handcuffing challenge, McCurdy also had to take a written test and properly handle both a building search and a vehicle stop. It amounted to a pressure-packed week from start to finish.
“At the end of the day,” McCurdy said, “it’s pretty hard to have to be evaluated.”
Winning a gold medal culminated what has so far been an extremely successful senior year for McCurdy. He also earned Student of the Month honors at both Mid-Maine Technical Center and Messalonskee High School.
For many of the gold medal winners at the Local Skills/USA Championships, the next stage is competing at the state meet on March 18, which could in turn bring an opportunity to qualify for the national championships.
In McCurdy’s case, though, the local title is the end of the road. The state meet does not offer criminal justice as a competition category.
Given that situation, McCurdy’s focus has now turned to trying to decide between firefighting and criminal justice as a career path.
*You can view the results here.*