Law enforcement grad expands skills with EMT diploma and national certification

Victor Vue has always wanted to help others in need. Now, as a public safety officer with the Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department, he is doing just that.  

In his role serving the public, Vue has found his Asian American heritage and upbringing to be helpful in many ways, including building rapport with people and gaining their trust. He hopes to inspire others to pursue the rewarding career field. 

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like. As long as you put the time and effort in and can do your job well, you’ll make it,” Vue said. 

A May 2023 graduate of NWTC’s Criminal Justice Law Enforcement associate degree, he recently expanded his public safety skillset. He graduated earlier this month from NWTC’s Emergency Medical Technician technical diploma and became nationally certified as an EMT. 

For Vue, attending NWTC was the smart choice. “Going to NWTC is going to be financially smarter, but also the school provides many opportunities with a multitude of programs and certifications that can transfer to other larger schools in the area,” he said.  

Read more about Vue’s college and career experiences in this Q & A:  

Why did you choose public safety as your career field?  

I’ve always wanted to help others in need, and I enjoy problem solving. I was inspired by my older brother to pursue this career. Growing up I’ve always looked up to him and admired the things he did. When I was going through college, he told me to go through NWTC’s LEAD (Law Enforcement associate degree) program, which is the program he went through. If it wasn’t for him influencing me and telling me where to go, I wouldn’t be where I am today. 

Why did you choose to get certified in EMT?  

Where I work, we provide police, fire, and EMS services all in one, so having my EMT certification is required. Being nationally certified means if one day I decide to move to another state and want to continue a career in EMS, I can without having to retake classes. 

What has surprised you about your NWTC experience?  

The way things were taught at NWTC was much easier to understand. I initially came from a four-year university. It could’ve been me, or the professors I had, but things were just a little harder to understand there compared to NWTC. 

What would you tell a potential NWTC student about why they should pursue their education at NWTC?  

Going to NWTC is going to be financially smarter, but also the school provides many opportunities with a multitude of programs and certifications that can transfer to other larger schools in the area. The school provides a ton of help whether it be financially, or with academics. 

What are your hopes and goals for the future, professionally and personally?   

My hope is to stay in my career of public safety as long as I can and one day potentially inspire others to pursue this career as well. 

What does your Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage mean to you, and how has it shaped you in your career?  

To me, being Asian American means being proud of who I am, the culture, and the family. Being Asian American in my career has allowed me to reach out to the Asian communities in the local area and spread awareness.  

Coming from a lower-class family with immigrant parents, I can relate with people I come into contact with at work. This helps with building rapport, gaining people’s trust, and compliance. In my career I’ve had to translate multiple times, and it’s usually older people I would have to translate to since English is not their first language. 

My Asian American heritage has not impacted my interactions with my colleagues. They see me as another colleague who does the same job as them. 

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like. As long as you put the time and effort in and can do your job well, you’ll make it. 

Learn more about NWTC’s Public Safety programs.