BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
PHOTOS BY SARAH STEPHENS AND MILLBROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Editor’s Note: Certificate photos are below for graduates that were present. Feel free to copy and paste them parents!
Nineteen Jr. Police Academy graduates were recognized Friday afternoon at Millbrook Middle School after a full week of hands-on experience regarding law enforcement.
COVID canceled the academy last year, but this year two sets of camps were scheduled. Friday’s graduation marked the first successful graduates of 2021. On Monday a whole new set of campers will attend classes at Millbrook Middle School.
“I want to thank Lieutenant Stephen Youngblood, School Resource Officer Kristen Godwin and all our staff at the Millbrook Police Department, who just completed a fun week of training for the Millbrook Junior Police Academy Class 2021-1. Nineteen young men and women graduated today having completed a weeklong course designed to educate young people on the duties and responsibilities of police officers and the training they go through, but more importantly the course is designed to allow officers to build relationships with young people in our community.
“I also want to thank Mayor Al Kelley for allowing us to spend time and resources investing in our young people, as well as The Elmore County Board of Education and Elmore County Children’s Partnership for partnering with us to make this possible. Most importantly, thank you to the parents of the young people that participated for allowing us access to and entrusting us with your children. To all involved, Thank You and Job Well Done!”
During the week, campers learned a lot of information, including crime scene investigation, building clearing, self-defense, athleticism, agility, character building, SWAT and much more. They took an oath administered by Chief Johnson, promising to be a good citizen.
Lt. Youngblood addressed the graduates, commending all of them for their effort, participation, and above all, not giving up!
“The campers got to meet us and learn a little about law enforcement,” Youngblood said.
This year the campers ran a mile a day, and were encouraged to better their time on each try.
“Each day they all improved,” Youngblood said. “On Thursday we gave them a dose of what it is like on Day 1 of an actual police academy. They experienced a little of the raised voices.”
On Friday each camper completed the one-mile run in under 15 minutes, which Youngblood praised them for mightily.
“Everyone, even those that may have struggled, had the support from the rest of the team. Everyone came through, pushed and reached deep within, and everyone did all of it. No one quit at all. We had a blast,” Youngblood said.
SRO Officer Kristin Godwin talked about several aspects of the camp, including interaction with a K-9 officer. “We stressed that they should never approach a K-9 and expect they will be as friendly as ours. Ours is very friendly, but that is not always the case.”
In speaking of the self defense courses, Godwin said the kids were told, “This is not to fight, or use this on your brothers or sisters. This is about self defense.”
During the week the campers also drove golf carts, wearing “drunk goggles” to see how they did driving through a short course as part of field sobriety training.
“They kind of got a dose of everything that we go through. We were very blessed to have this amount of kids come and let us show them what we do. I love being in the school and being with them day in and day out. I want them to see that we are here to help them. I don’t want them to be scared of us. We are here to protect them, have fun with them, and show them everything we go through. Thank you to the parents for letting us have this opportunity.”
The campers also learned about the Taser, a tool recently put into action with the Millbrook Police Department. They watched a demonstration where Middle School Principal Sean Kreauter agreed to be Tased. It wasn’t his first “ride on the lightning” however. Principal Kreauter went through the Montgomery Police Academy 11 years ago, and experienced it then as well.
Mayor Al Kelly congratulated everyone for their accomplishments during the week.
“To the mamas, daddies, grandparents, aunts and uncles that allowed these kids to be here, and supported this, we certainly appreciate you. I thank our officers for putting on this event and showing you a little bit about what goes on and what police life is really like. I just can’t thank you enough for being here.”
Chief P.K. Johnson said he always loves to hear about the adventures throughout the week.
“The purpose of this is not to recruit officers. However, when they make 21 we would welcome them with open arms. But this is an opportunity for them to see us. We are just like you. We are mamas and daddies and have kids of our own. This week was all about you graduates finding out that you can do a whole lot more than what you think you can do. I want you to take what you learned back to school with you. I am talking about the discipline that you have displayed. Learning can be fun. You gave up a week when you could have been in a swimming pool or the lake.”
While this past week is a wrap, a whole new set of campers begin their experience on Monday.
Rumor has it there will be another Tasing demonstration involving yet another area principal.
We shall also have coverage of that graduation as well. We thank the Millbrook Police Department and all involved in this exciting camp for our area young people. The camp will be offered again next year, and if you are interested it may be a good idea to put your child’s name in the hat now. Spots go very quickly! See many more photos below, including certificate presentations for graduates present.
