Today, Ukiah High School’s Automotive Tech program was the recipient of a generous donation from the California Highway Patrol of a yellow 2011 Chevrolet Camaro. CHP Lieutenant Dan Fansler hopes the vehicle furthers the skills of Ukiah High Wildcats who want to learn a craft and work in the automotive industry.
A small crowd gathered today outside of the auto shop as local towing company All-In-One brought the vehicle to become part of the automotive curriculum students will navigate this school year.
Lieutenant Fansler told us the Camaro was obtained by law enforcement as a result of a vehicle theft investigation and deemed unsuitable to drive. The vehicle could not be driven because its parts had been stolen and replaced so many times that it no longer was street legal.
Stuck with an undrivable vehicle, CHP was given two choices, Lieutenant Fansler said: destroy it or donate the vehicle for educational purposes.
After several high schools in the area were offered the Camero, Ukiah High’s Automotive teacher Lonnie Harwell was contacted by Lieutenant Fansler offering his students the opportunity to work on the Chevrolet Camaro.
Lieutenant Fansler was excited to provide Ukiah High auto students with the vehicle because he vividly remembered his time in a small-engine repair course during his freshman year at Ukiah High. The donation of the car was a considerable effort for CHP, Lieutenant Fansler explained, requiring paperwork and approval from a local judge.
Freshman automotive tech student Robert Madsen told us, “It’s a really cool car.” He looked forward to working on it saying, “It’s going to be a great opportunity to learn how to work on one of these.”
