On June 27, 2014, 28 Rahway children between the ages of 11 and 15 graduated from the thirteenth annual Rahway Youth Police Academy, which is organized by the Rahway Police Department Juvenile Bureau. The Youth Police Academy is designed to provide young adults with a better understanding of the role of police in today’s society. Youth Academy “cadets” are exposed to some of the training, procedures, and technology utilized by police officers on a daily basis. Our goal is to develop a better rapport with the children in the community by breaking down the barriers that exist between police officers and teens.
The cadets participated in a grueling week-long program that involved physical training, drill and ceremony, as well as class room instruction in various areas of law enforcement. Classroom topics included Accident Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Alcohol and Drug Awareness, Gang Awareness, K-9, Bomb Squad, Internet Safety, Fitness & Nutrition, and Water Safety. The program culminated in a graduation ceremony held at John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains. The cadets were recognized for their dedication and hard work during the week, and parents were able to view a slide show aptly named, “A Day in the Life of a Rahway Police Youth Academy Cadet.”
Prior to graduation, each cadet was required to submit an essay detailing their experiences during the week. Some of the most notable comments from the essays included, “Being in the Youth Academy made me feel confident…when I wanted to quit, I kept on going. I feel I have more self-discipline.”; “Overall, this program did wonders for me in terms of setting goals and pushing myself to achieve them.”; “This academy made me feel proud and confident. I feel that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. This experience has shown me that being a strong and positive person is cool!”
The following graduates were recognized for the outstanding achievements during the 2014 Academy:
Leadership: Anasia Summersett and Nicholas Nemeth
Top Physical Training: Alexis Wysocki and Isabella Wysocki
Top Essays: Vashae Stevens and Jude Chiusano
Most Improved: Ja’Quay Smith and Quincy Singleton
Best Attitude: Nicholas Weakland and Oliver Watson
2014 Rahway Youth Police Academy Graduating Class #13
| Elijah Ashe Emanuel Ashe Alexander Bishop Natasha Bustamante Jude Chiusano Antonio Dalmau Christopher Dalmau Imani Fleurimond Gabriela Fuller Adam Greebel Suzannah Hansen Michel Joseph Tyler Lagun Zayid May |
Michael Mazzeo Nicholas Nemeth Zachary Pielach Joel Pryor Cecilia Puga Ariana Robles Quincy Singleton Ja’Quay Smith Vashae Stevens Anasia Summersett Oliver Watson Nicholas Weakland Alexis Wysocki Isabella Wysocki |
The Youth Police Academy is an annual program. Applications for the 2015 class will be available in February 2015. For more information about this program, please visit our Youth Academy page, or contact Detective Sergeant Dawn Rodger at 732.669.3612.