'Cadets' Graduate From Police Youth Academy

Although wearing navy blue hats and t-shirts, the 15 cadets standing at-attention in the municipal building yesterday were not aspiring police officers. All under eighteen years old, they nonetheless completed training very similar to what you would find at a police academy.

Yesterday Cranford Police officers handed out certificates and praised the participants' hard work during a graduation ceremony for the completion of the department's Youth Academy program.

"I had the opportunity to observe training," Lieutenant Robert Colaneri said in a speech during the ceremony. "I was very impressed…you all have the ability to be leaders."

From June 28 until July 2, participants were enmeshed in a simulated cadet experience, doing everything from push-ups and pull-ups, to salutes and military maneuvers.  

"They ran the actual obstacle course that the cadets do," said Detective Robert Montague. In addition, students participated in a mock vehicle stops, learned firearm safety, crime scene processing and watched a police dog demonstration. They also met the Union County SWAT and MEDIVAC teams and were given a tour of the department.

"We were trying to expose them to all aspects of law enforcement and give them real experience," officer Steve D'Ambola said.

Of the session, Kieran, 12, said his favorite part was when the SWAT team paid a visit. "They let us into their truck." He added that the entire program was, "really fun and motivational."

Sessions were held at the Cranford Police Department, the Cranford Community Center and The John H. Stamler Police Academy, in Scotch Plains, according to Colenari.

This is the fourth year the department held the course, started by Chief Eric Mason in 2007, he added.