Warwick Junior Police Academy holds second graduation ceremony
Twenty junior cadets graduated from the second Town of Warwick Police Department Junior Police Academy in the outdoor theater at Kutz Camp on August 12, 2022. The academy is a collaborative effort between the police department and the Warwick Valley Central School District.
The junior cadets, district students between the ages of 10 and 15, were celebrated for their commitment to the academy, which emphasizes public service and leadership. The program teaches the junior cadets many of the district’s Portrait of a Graduate qualities, including leadership, collaborative and communication skills, as well as citizenship and problem-solving.
“There were opportunities to make friends, to take a peek at life in law enforcement, to try new things and to build confidence in themselves and trust in the police,” said Town of Warwick Police Chief John Rader during the ceremony. “The lessons you learned with us can help you with any career path that you choose in life, but certainly if you choose law enforcement. I hope to see some of you in a Warwick police uniform some day.”
The first session of the academy graduated its class of cadets on July 22. The 10-day program, which was headquartered at Warwick Valley High School, includes both classroom learning and hands-on, real world experiences. Activities and lectures are led by members of the police department and New York State Troopers. Presentations, workshops and field trips are led by local professionals.
The junior cadets are involved in activities, such as processing a playground “crime scene” using investigation techniques, touring the West Point Museum and Orange County Emergency Services Center, and learning defensive tactics, handcuffing techniques, yoga, and bicycle safety, among other things.
Class president Sileny Baez described the two week program as an amazing experience.
“We learned how to follow commands and specific directions – and parents – we will try our best to carry this home,” Sileny said. “This was our first experience pushing our mental and physical limits. We hope this experience was the start of a new journey that will lead us to great success and accomplishments.”
View a slideshow of photographs from the ceremony below:
