Young cadets learn about local services

30 youths participate in the fourth annual Junior Police Academy

About 30 youths had the chance this week to learn about jobs in emergency services.

The Upper Uwchlan Township Police Department held its fourth annual Junior Police Academy from June 19 to 23 with visits to the Chester County Public Safety Training Center, the 911 Center, the Downingtown Police Department for a Swat demonstration, District Court in Lionville, the Uwchlan Ambulance, Lionville Fire Company and more.

The program, with approximately 30 cadets from ages 12-15 years old, allows the youths to obtain experience in Emergency Services careers and volunteerism as a whole. The cadets learned about various tools and equipment in emergency services, including about crime scene investigations, fingerprinting, how to use a fire extinguisher and more. Upper Uwchlan Cpl. Brian Gathercole said it also helps build better relationships between the youth of the community and the residents they serve on a daily basis.

“We encourage cadets to have a better understanding of the police department as well as a better relationship with the local police department,” Gathercole said.

The cadets are able to experience career paths in law enforcement, the fire and EMS services as well as criminal justice. Because of Upper Uwchlan Township officials, the program is provided to the youths for free, with the help of donations and participation from local businesses, according to the police who hope to expand program with continued interest from residents. Police noted that the program, established in 2014, has grown each year since its first camp to include educational topics that will benefit the cadets. New this year were the

Technical College High School (TCHS Brandywine) and the World of Martial Arts for self-defense techniques.

In addition to Gathercole, Upper Uwchlan officers who participated this year include Detective Thomas Jones, Officer David Stiteler and administrative assistant Allison Orlando. They thanked Police Chief John DeMarco for the successful program. The camp concluded with a graduation ceremony that parents could attend. For more information on the program, visit the Upper Uwchlan Junior Police Academy Facebook page.

SUBMITTED PHOTO During the fourth annual Junior Police Academy, the youths watched a SWAT demonstration at the Downingtown Police Department.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Upper Uwchlan Police Department officers held the fourth annual Junior Police Academy to teach the youths about careers in emergency services and build a relationship with them.