Berlin PD Cadets Make A Difference In Community

BERLIN, CT — Municipal departments are always battling challenges finding men and women looking to join their ranks, evidence that shows the job's difficulties.

But a Berlin Police Department program, which recently concluded its inaugural year, not only showcases the rewards of police work to area young people, it is showing other departments how its done.

The BPD Cadet Program started about a year ago, with members this summer excelling at multiple competitions pitting them against other department cadets.

But competition success aside, the police cadet program's aim is simple, encourage young people aged 13-21 about the rewards of police work and give them a taste of a life in public safety.

"We at the Berlin Police Department are extremely excited about what this program has already accomplished and look forward to its continued growth within our community," said BPD spokesman Brandon Lagueux, a K-9 officer and department's community services leader.

According to Lagueux, Berlin's cadet program had its genesis from Berlin Police Chief Matthew G. McNally IV, who was part of a cadet program over his three-decade law enforcement career in Danbury.

Lagueux said Berlin's foray into young volunteers helping the department was successful from the start, which wasn't surprising given the department's community commitment.

"As a community-oriented police department, Berlin latched onto this program very quickly both at the department as well as in the community," Lagueux said, adding the cadet program's focus is "community outreach, youth engagement and future recruiting."

So far, the roster of volunteers have undergone some basic police training and participated in several community events providing security, traffic direction and first-aid responses.

Lagueux said cadets receive training in line with police, fire and emergency medical service standards and, also, play an important public relations role in the town.

In an era where finding qualified police officers is difficult given the highly publicized challenges of law enforcement, Berlin officials believe a strong youth cadet program helps prepare a younger generation to fill out the ranks when the current public servants retire or move on.

"This allows the department to help grow the next generation of first responders," said Lagueux, adding Berlin's youngest finest have recently excelled in statewide challenges, winning first- and second-place medals.

Meanwhile, cadets Michelle Mosur, Victoria Mosur, Patrick Mosur, Cypress White, Emily Laskowski, Nico DiDomenicio, Elizabeth Fitzsimmons and Michaela Mordesiewicz underwent even more intensive training, according to the BPD.

Lagueux said that group attended a week-long academy at Westfield State University in Massachusetts over the summer.

"These cadets were put to the test in a grueling live-in academy that is run similar to our police academy," Lagueux said. "At the end of the week these cadets graduate, and again, came home with first and second place medals."

For more information on the Berlin Police Department's Cadet Program, click on this link.