Sharon Police Department Hosts Junior Cadet Academy

The Sharon Police Department conducted its sixth "Junior Cadet Academy" at the police station, May 18-19. The program is designed for middle school aged youth to see "inside" the Sharon Police Department and how we function.  

Sixteen students were chosen out of numerous applications. The applicant's responses to questions on the application were reviewed to help determine who would be selected.

The cadets received an extensive tour of the police station while observing demonstrations of the various functions a police officer performs. These included a firearms demonstration, police equipment review, arrest booking procedures, crime scene investigation, canine narcotics demonstration, CPR, Taser, radar demonstration, motor vehicle stop procedures, and field sobriety testing. Most of the training was interactive allowing for the cadets to actually do some "hands on" activity.

Upon graduating from the two day academy all cadets received certificates, cadet tee shirts and a Sharon Police Department patch.  At the conclusion of their training a pizza party was enjoyed by the cadets, their parents, and Sharon Police Officers who provided the training. The cadets were: Sabrina Yee,Amanda Kaplan,Marni Heiten,Vy Uong,Tara Garani,Diana Saab,Erica Dougherty,Daniel Dudziak,Sam Bunis,Erica Laidler,Sruthi Machina,Peter Banks,Wilhelm Bolt, Veda Chandwani,Victoria Wiley and Darshana Blaise. The academy was greatly enjoyed by those who attended.

The academy was set up and organized by Sharon Police School Resource Officer Michael Hocking under the direction of Lt. T. Kaufman. He was assisted by Officer Anthony Lucie, Officer Richard Derry, Officer Drew Pacino, Officer Michael Balestra, Officer Steven Fontes,  Sharon Police Dispatcher Margaret Patino and Sharon Police Dispatcher Jennifer Little.  

The Sharon Fire Department (Firefighter/Paramedic Kurt Simpson) also assisted with a First Responder portion of the academy. Massachusetts's Department of Corrections Sergeant's O'Brien and Jaillet provided a K9 demonstration.

The Sharon Police Department wishes to thank the Sharon Fish and Game Club for use of their facilities.