Barrett Celebrates Local Businesses, Meets with First Responders, Students

Image July 31, 2026 Press Release Barrett Visits Aviation Training Center, EMS Facilities, Community College, and Local Businesses Lansing, Mich. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) on Thursday and Friday met with first responders, educators, students, and workers across mid-Michigan as he visited Lansing Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Center, Clinton Area Ambulance Service, Livingston County EMS Education, and celebrated Highland Engineering’s 40th anniversary and Merlo Construction’s ribbon cutting. “Every day, Michiganders across our state are working hard and providing the services that keep our communities strong — from saving lives in emergencies to educating the next generation,” said Barrett. “Meeting with first responders, educators, construction professionals, engineers, and other mid-Michigan workers allows me to hear directly from the people on the front lines about the challenges they face and the policies they need to do their jobs and succeed. I’m committed to supporting our workforce, strengthening our communities, and delivering results for Mid-Michigan.” Image On Thursday, Barrett toured the Lansing Community College Aviation Maintenance Technology Center, which is located at the Mason-Jewett Field Airport. Barrett met with college leaders, educators, and students in the aviation technology program, which is recognized as the best in the Midwest. They discussed the program’s success at preparing students for careers and the program’s opportunities for expansion. Barrett recently highlighted the program in a conversation about aviation careers in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Image Barrett then met with leadership at the Clinton County Ambulance Service Authority to hear about their lifesaving work serving northern Clinton County and the needs the agency is facing. Image On Friday, Barrett joined Highland Engineering Inc. in Howell for the company’s 40th anniversary celebration. Highland began as a fixture and automation design firm and now provides is a leading defense contractor, providing the military with equipment for classified information facilities, water purification, electricity, medical care, cargo transportation, and more. Image Barrett then attended the ribbon cutting for Merlo Construction’s new headquarters in Genoa Township near Brighton. Merlo, a family-owned business previously based in Milford, is a leading contractor providing construction site development, concrete, asphalt, and rigging services. Image At Livingston County EMS, Barrett toured the cutting-edge education center and met with instructors and other emergency responders to hear about their service to the community and their program that provides hands-on education for future emergency medical professionals. Barrett also toured the agency’s hangar and ambulance bay. Image Image Image Image Image Image