First Youth Police Campers Graduate In Manchester

Two dozen Manchester students got their first exposure to law enforcement with the township’s first Youth Police Academy.

The weeklong event ran from Aug. 3-7 and had students in sixth through eighth grades, Police Chief Lisa Parker said, and concluded Friday night with a graduation ceremony.

“Our youth cadets learned a lot during their week with us, and I’m proud of their dedication and accomplishments. They’re a great group of kids,” Parker said.

The cadets were taught the history of the Manchester Township Police, toured the Ocean County Police Academy’s Lakewood facility, the chief said. The program, led by School Resource Officer Christopher Cerullo, included SWAT demonstrations at the Ocean County Fire Academy, physical fitness, first aid and traffic safety.

Hands-on demonstrations and activities showed the cadets what it means to be a police officer, as the students engaged in a variety of activities each day showing them different aspects of law enforcement.

Additionally, students met K-9 Officer Storm and his handler Patrolman Marc Micciulla, who presented a demonstration, Parker said.

“We’re very proud of our first Youth Police Academy class,” Cerullo said. “In addition to teaching them about what we as officers do on a daily basis, the academy allowed us to connect with these students building relationships and a sense of community. It’s important for children to know that we’re always here for them.”

Parker said the department plans to make the Youth Police Academy an annual summer event. Helping to make the Youth Police Academy possible were Patrolmen Arthur Cronk and Patrolmen Patrick Mabie, the Ocean County Police Academy, Ocean County SWAT, and Manchester First Aid and Rescue Squad.

(Credit: Manchester Township Police)