Newark Students Get Hands-On Police Training From Port Authority

NEWARK, NJ — Students from Barringer High School and the Essex County Donald M. Payne School of Technology in Newark were among a milestone class who took part in the Port Authority’s annual “youth academy.”

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s program gives local high schoolers a glimpse into a career in law enforcement, from crime-solving to counterterrorism to K-9 handling.

This year, the academy saw record participation from young women, officials noted – part of the bi-state agency’s “diversity goals.” Of this year’s 19 academy students, 15 were female, up from four in last year’s cohort.

The students got some valuable learning experience, according to the Port Authority:

“The week began in the classroom, where students learned about the governing laws of New York and New Jersey. Students were taught investigatory techniques, received hands-on physical training in CPR and tourniquet application, and shown several defensive tactics. Students also got visits from several of PAPD’s specialized units, including a visit from two K-9 officer pairs: Port Authority Police K-9 handlers Remo DiPopolo and Eric Brozek and their four-legged partners Cirri and Xato. They showcased their training in detecting explosives and responding to potential threats, while emphasizing the crucial bond between handler and hound.”

Students also visited the World Trade Center campus, stopping at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and One World Observatory to get a sense of the department’s history and its mission.

The program is named in honor of Port Authority police officer Anthony M. Varvaro, who was instrumental in the inaugural class. Varvaro died in a motor vehicle accident on Sept. 11, 2022, on his way to work during 9/11 commemoration events at the World Trade Center.

“Our goal is to have a diverse police force that mirrors this incredibly diverse region,” Port Authority Police Superintendent Edward Cetnar said.

“These impressive young people are the building blocks for that effort, and we’re excited to be able to give them a window into this very rewarding career,” Cetnar added.

Read the full story here.

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