(HARLINGEN) – The fourth annual Operation Big Rig was recently hosted by the Continuing Education Department at Texas State Technical College.

More than 50 people attended the half-day awareness event that covered topics such as human and drug smuggling, human trafficking, and recent revisions to federal transportation laws and regulations.

“Overall, the event was a success,” said TSTC’s Continuing Education transportation coordinator Adan Trevino. “It’s important that we spread awareness on issues that affect our industry and those who work in it every day.”

TSTC partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security to make the event possible.

Federal transportation officers and agents in attendance at the event emphasized that if something doesn’t look right, then give them a call.

“We want our students to understand that we are all on the same page and here to work together to make their career journey as safe as can be,” said Trevino.

Trevino added that every year the event focuses on different topics, depending on the pressing issues at the time, but its primary goal is to teach students and industry professionals how to keep the community safe and save lives.

“Recent events are showing a rise in human smuggling and trafficking and how unsafe and sometimes deadly conditions are,” said Trevino. “We’re creating well-rounded professionals, and we want them to be smart and make the best decisions once they’re out in the field and know how to spot dangerous situations.”

Daniel Deleon, a TSTC Continuing Education Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) student, said Operation Big Rig is a great opportunity, especially for someone like him who is new to the industry.

“What TSTC does with Operation Big Rig is great,” he said. “It has really increased my awareness of the dangers we face out in the field and how our quick thinking and actions can save lives.”

Ernie Garcia, a recent TSTC CDL graduate who already has a job lined up with Spirit Truck Lines in San Juan, said he will take what he learned to help make the roads safer for all drivers and bystanders.

“I will be an advocate for safety in my career,” said Garcia. “I learned numerous tips on how to be safe and keep others safe and report suspicious activity.”

Operation Big Rig has also teamed up with local truck stops to help spread awareness of human and drug smuggling and human trafficking.

“At TSTC, safety is our No. 1 priority for our students and community,” said Trevino. “Together, we can make an impact and keep our streets safe.”

For more information on TSTC’s Continuing Education Transportation Services courses, visit tstc.edu.