Last week, students from Porter Elementary in the San Diego Unified Police Department's "True Blue Buddies" program were treated to a day of adventure and learning down at San Diego Harbor. As part of the special trip arranged by SDUSD school police officers, Porter students received an up-close look and some hands-on training from the San Diego Harbor Police.
Beginning with a presentation of the Harbor Police dive team and their scuba diving equipment, students then became acquainted with a state-of-the-art firefighting boat, even getting to use the fire hose. That's a lot of water pressure!
Still to come was the most exciting part of the day's adventure - a ride on the Harbor Police patrol boat. Officers showed students how to properly wear their life jackets, and welcomed them aboard for a tour of the harbor. Everyone held on tight as the boat sped across the waves, and students were thrilled to see other boats, a U.S. Navy submarine, and even an up-close and personal look at some sunbathing sea lions.
This special field trip brought one Porter student to the waterfront for the first time in his life, as well as providing several kids with their first-ever boat ride experience. The event was a celebration of this past school year's True Blue Buddies program, a partnership between San Diego Unified police officers and students.