Butler Partners with Kansas Highway Patrol for Interactive Safety Night

Butler Community College’s Safety and Security division joined together with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) to host BCC Safety Night on Thursday, February 6, at the El Dorado gymnasium. Four members of the Kansas Highway Patrol led the event, which was attended by 80 Butler students.

“Last night was a huge success,” said Butler Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety Glendell Henderson. Originating from a conversation between himself, Butler Criminal Justice Professor Miles Erpelding and KHP Trooper Joe Owens, Henderson’s goal was to “create something impactful and positive for the students.” 

The event's focus was to spread safety awareness to the community through impaired driving simulations. Guided by members of the KHP and Butler’s Safety and Security division, students took part in a series of physical tests wearing impaired vision goggles that simulate the effects of alcohol, including navigating a tricycle through safety cones and walking a straight line. 

“I hope that whenever our students find themselves in an impaired situation, [they] can take one minute to reflect on this event and make the right decision.” Henderson added.  

The event was sponsored by the Butler Community College’s Police Department, Student Government Association and Black Students Association, as well as the Kansas Highway Patrol and El Dorado Police Department.