Junior Police Academy Graduates 100 in Its 11th Year

Children from Westwood, Washington Township and Hillsdale participated in the Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy this past week at , culminating in a graduation Friday.

The students had a variety of experiences throughout the week. They got to climb a rock wall from the National Guard, saw a demonstration with a K-9 unit, had two helicopter visits and took a trip to the Bergen County Sheriff's Department.

Friday, the last day of the program, students got a visit from two members of the Army National Guard who arrived by helicopter on the lawn in front of the high school. Warrant Officer Steve Lampe spoke to the first group of students about the helicopter and answered questions.

Warrant Officer Jim O'Connor said they've been coming to the Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy for years.

"We love the guys and the kids are always great," he said.

Both men explained that they fly in with the helicopter for several different programs to teach kids to stay drug free.

The students were excited to see the helicopter and the officers, asking questions and going up to the aircraft for a closer look. Many snapped photos when it took off.

Washington Township Police Lt. Richard Skinner, who started the Junior Police Academy 11 years ago with a sergeant who has since retired, said the program has grown tremendously. This year 100 students applied and were accepted into the program.

It involves the three area municipalities and this year two officers from the Ridgewood Police Department were on hand because they plan to start their own Junior Police Academy next year.

The week-long program is meant to teach young people about law enforcement, encourage positive behavior and allow the students to make new friends.

"They're having a great time," Skinner said.