Inspired by her Police Chief father, Keiser University student Isabella Steffel, a Criminal Justice senior, looks forward to helping lead Keiser University’s Criminal Justice Day activities as the event welcomes over 550 Palm Beach School District Choice Program learners.
The interactive sessions will be held at Keiser University’s Flagship Campus on Wednesday, March 4th, 2025.
A Father’s Example Inspires a Career in Law Enforcement
Steffel says the inspiration to pursue a career in law enforcement comes from watching her father, Jamie Steffel, serve his community with integrity and compassion. Now, the Police Chief for the City of Brandon, South Dakota, he showed her from a young age what it means to lead with character.
“My father did a great job showing what it means to be a great father and a good man,” Steffel said. “He is the reason I want to pursue law enforcement.” She recalls how deeply respected and trusted he was in every community he served, including Cape Coral and Fort Myers in South Florida. “We couldn’t even go to the grocery store without people stopping him to ask how he was doing,” added Steffel, who is also a Keiser University Volleyball Team member and NAIA Scholar-Athlete.
Family Support and Personal Motivation
Steffel also credits her mother, Jenna, as a constant source of comfort and strength to her and her three brothers, noting how present and involved she has always been.
“She has done everything possible to ensure we have what we need and the opportunity to pursue our goals,” Steffel said. “She’s made sure I never have to wonder whether someone is in my corner, supporting me in every aspect of my life. Above all, she has always wanted me to be happy and has worked tirelessly to help make that happen. My parents truly are my rocks.”
Through police trick-or-treat walks, youth summer programs, mentorship initiatives, and community blood drives, Steffel watched her father model the compassionate side of law enforcement. He even let her ride along on duty, teaching her police codes and letting her “help” as he worked.
“He’s very selfless and truly cares about helping people,” she said. “That’s what stands out to me – what you can do for others.”
Steffel plans to enter a South Florida local law enforcement academy and says her father supports her path.
“He tells me he’s proud of me and knows I have a good heart and that I’m doing this for the right reasons,” she said.
Criminal Justice Day Highlights
Under the leadership of Professor and Criminal Justice and Forensics Concentration Department Program Director Scott Addlesberger, the event will include:
- A helicopter landing and crash reenactment courtesy of Safety 4 Life: Students will view a realistic simulation of a serious motor vehicle crash and its authentic emergency response, injury assessment, vehicle extrication, and on-scene procedures. Attendees will witness firsthand how quickly everyday decisions can lead to life-changing consequences.
- A mock crime scene
- SWAT trucks and gear, a bomb squad
- A roll cage for traffic simulations
- More…
Community and Agency Partners
Keiser University thanks its instructors who bring real-world experience to the classrooms. Many are active or former law enforcement members from a variety of fields.
Faculty, staff, and students are also very thankful to those who will attend the event, including participating partners from:
- The Safety 4 Life Foundation and its sponsorship of the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office helicopter landing
- Palm Beach County’s Sheriff’s Office (including its Crime Lab covering DNA, forensics, and more) and Fire Rescue
- Florida’s Highway Patrol, Fish and Wildlife Commission, and Department of Corrections Probation
- The West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Riviera Beach, and School District of Palm Beach County’s Police Departments
- The United States Coast Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security
- Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement
About Safety 4 Life
Safety 4 Life was founded to create impactful educational programs that save young lives and help change dangerous behavior on and off the road. Founded by Brian and Esther LaBovick, the organization is driven by a vision of a community where every child and family feels inspired and empowered to make safe, confident choices for a future free from preventable tragedies.
About the School District of Palm Beach County Choice Programs
School District of Palm Beach County Choice Programs reflect the diversity of the district and are designed to attract all Palm Beach County students.
Families with students entering pre-kindergarten through grade 12 can choose from an array of Choice and Career and Technical Education (CTE) theme-based curricula offerings at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
About Keiser University’s Criminal Justice Programs
Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice provides preparation in many areas of the criminal justice system. Topics include but are not limited to deviant behavior, forensics, law enforcement and investigation, victimology, private security, corrections, and juvenile justice and how components work together and are governed by our laws, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Constitution. This exploration of the American criminal justice system culminates with an emphasis on research, analysis, and the future of the system.
About Keiser University
Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, it offers:
- Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
- Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report (2023)
- Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years
Don’t wait to start building your future. Contact Keiser University today and take the first step toward your dream career. Call Toll-Free: 888-KEISER-9 or Contact a Keiser Campus near you. Schedule your campus tour and learn more about our flexible programs, financial aid options, and career services support.
Isabella Steffel celebrates volleyball victories with her parents Jenna and Jamie Steffel.
Isabella Steffel is now following in her father Jamie’s footsteps as she prepares to enter the field of law enforcement.
The instructors at Keiser University impacted my life. They believed in my ability to become a great graphic designer, regardless of how I felt about my skills. KU helped to prepare me for the real world and got me to where I am today.
