Today, students in the College and Career Readiness class at Frenship Middle School heard from Frenship 2017 Alum, Jacob Piel. While Piel attended Frenship he was heavily involved on the Frenship Football Team, Powerlifting Team, and Track & Field Team.
Upon graduation from Frenship, he attended Angelo State University where he played football all four years. He gained a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a masters degree in Homeland Security.
After college he became a DPS Trooper for Hale, Lamb, and Bailey County. He decided to pursue a career in law enforcement because he wanted a challenging and rewarding job to serve others.
“I’ve always found myself feeling the most motivated and wholesome in roles where I’m a part of something larger than myself. DPS Troopers are placed in challenging but rewarding community service roles. My aspiration to seek out a challenge and play a positive role in my community has inspired my career choice,” said Trooper Piel.
Broadcast and College and Career Readiness teacher Russ Fulbright had Piel in one of his broadcast classes when he was in middle school. As Fulbright’s students started to learn about different career options, he knew that Trooper Piel would have great advice and insight for the students.
“It's important for students to hear about different career opportunities because they need to know that there are all sorts of options available for them to pursue later in life,” said Fulbright. “I hope my students learn how important law enforcement and protecting other citizens is to our community.”
Trooper Piel spoke to the students about what DPS personnel do and how to become a Trooper. He also gave the students a tour of his Highway Patrol vehicle.
Frenship Middle School student Conner Lowe enjoyed hearing from Trooper Piel and the different routes a person can take in the law enforcement field.
“I learned that there are a lot of different branches in the trooper pathway,” said Lowe. “My favorite part was when he explained the different tools on his belt and what they do.”
For Trooper Piel, the most rewarding part of his job is making a tangible impact on public safety by apprehending dangerous individuals and preventing future harm.
“The most rewarding moments that I recall as a trooper are the times I've taken dangerous fugitives off the street. By doing so, I understand that I’m preventing those dangerous individuals from victimizing others in the future. Likewise, I’m giving the courts the opportunity to provide justice for previous victims,” said Trooper Piel.
Trooper Piel encourages students who might be interested in a career in law enforcement to be confident in yourself and your values. He believes that although the career might come with challenges, to remember your “why” and stay committed to serving and protecting others.
“I’ve always seen policing as one of the most difficult but rewarding public service jobs. The nature of the job will put you in extremely dangerous situations, and politically charged events will often turn the public against you,” said Trooper Piel. “Despite these hurdles, your good work and the way you carry yourself will keep you safe and enable you to change the way people see your profession. Moreover, you’ll get the opportunity to be there for people at times of crisis or hardship. These people will never forget the aid you’ve provided them, which is extremely rewarding. My advice to someone aspiring to be a law enforcement officer is to keep yourself out of trouble and understand what you’re signing up for.”
When the presentation wrapped up, the students had several questions and even took selfies with Trooper Piel.
Trooper Piel’s visit not only inspired students to explore careers in law enforcement but also emphasized the importance of perseverance, purpose, and serving the community.
Great work, students! We love when our Frenship Alumni come home and share their success with others.