WWCC welding student builds PIT maneuver bumpers for WWPD training vehicles

By on Monday, February 17th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Community College’s welding technology program has teamed up with the Walla Walla Police Department to improve training vehicles for the precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver. This tactic helps law enforcement to safely stop fleeing vehicles.

Det. Marcus Goodwater and Officer Rich Westphal, who lead the emergency vehicle operations course, are preparing their team for this training in March. Westphal proposed enhancing the safety of training vehicles, prompting WWCC Welding Instructional Technician Ryan Bull to create reinforced front bumpers with his students. Jill Lopez, a welding student who will be graduating this spring, embraced the challenge and chose this project as her final assignment.

Lopez developed a design that included creating a blueprint, using computer aided design software, and operating a computer numerical control plasma table. She faced challenges, particularly with pipe welding and ensuring proper angles for corner supports. The final product consists of two welded parts reinforced with strong piping, allowing for easy replacement if one side is damaged during training.

“It’s cool to go from an idea to a plan, to fabrication,” Lopez said. “But I’m ready to be done with the project. There has been a lot of trial and error.”

Westphal said he’s very impressed by Lopez’s design, noting its superiority over existing training bumpers. This project has also been a great opportunity for Lopez as she prepares to start her welding career. Her design will soon be tested in training exercises, emphasizing the importance of community safety during police operations.

“We don’t want to damage anything,” said Westphal. “But if the community needs us to stop a vehicle before it returns to our city limits, a school zone, or other high traffic area, we have the tools and training to keep our community safe.”

Photo of WWPD Officer Rich Westphal and WWCC welding student Jill Lopez