A 2014 Buick Verano support vehicle belonging to the Cary Fire Protection District was turned over to students of an automotive class at Cary-Grove High School to fix over the span of a semester. | Photo: CFPD

Fire officials say the challenge of a broken down fire department vehicle was turned into a unique learning experience and project for several students at Cary-Grove High School.

The Cary Fire Protection District said the motor failed on its 2014 Buick Verano support vehicle last summer.

Cary Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said the district saw an opportunity to turn a challenge into a unique learning experience.

A 2014 Buick Verano support vehicle belonging to the Cary Fire Protection District was turned over to students of an automotive class at Cary-Grove High School to fix over the span of a semester. | Photo: CFPD

The fire district, instead of retiring the vehicle, offered the Buick to Cary-Grove High School’s Automotive Division to serve as an educational project for their students.

A group of 6-10 senior students in the Seminars Auto Class worked to diagnose and repair the vehicle throughout the fall semester.

Vucha said the project presented several challenges and required the students to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues.

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A 2014 Buick Verano support vehicle belonging to the Cary Fire Protection District was turned over to students of an automotive class at Cary-Grove High School to fix over the span of a semester. | Photo: CFPD

The students successfully complete the repairs on the Buick through their “determination and effort,” Vucha said.

The vehicle will soon return to service to support the fire district’s administrative and operational functions.

“This collaboration allowed us to address a challenge while giving local students a chance to apply their skills in a real-world scenario,” Cary Fire Protection District Chief Brad Delatorre said.

A 2014 Buick Verano support vehicle belonging to the Cary Fire Protection District was turned over to students of an automotive class at Cary-Grove High School to fix over the span of a semester. | Photo: CFPD

“Whether these students pursue careers as mechanics, electricians, or even firefighters, hands-on training, especially at the high school level, helps prepare them for the challenges they will face in the workforce,” Delatorre said.

The fire district said they are proud to support local educational initiatives and strengthen relationships within the community.

Officials thanked Cary-Grove High School Automotive Instructor Dan Jegerski and the students for their “hard work and dedication to this project.”

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