Cadets of the Opelousas Junior Police Academy program celebrated their completion of the Class 101 at the Opelousas Civic Center on Tuesday.
The cadets marched into the Opelousas Civic Center on Tuesday, July 18th before their parents and guests to recognize and celebrate their completion of the Class 101 Jr. Police Academy. During the 6-week program the cadets learned discipline, leadership skills, physical fitness training, and decision making skills learning how to develop in a positive way in everyday life.
The program was offered to students in grades 3 through 6 who attended a school in Opelousas. They received specialized training in various disciplines that officers undergo for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what life is like for a police officer.
For the first time since the program was originally initiated, this year the program also introduced the cadets to training as firefighters in the smoke house and administering CPR by certified first responders. They also received a Teen Talk on the topic of friendship and anti-bullying.
These are just some of the many activities the kids participated in throughout the program.
In his Chief Address, Chief Graig LeBlanc acknowledged the cadets and for what they’ve taught them as a police force. Through their participation through this program they see the positive over the negative and will have a positive impact in the role they have in their community in the future. Chief LeBlanc stated what they learned about leadership through service, “To be a leader is not about yourself and what accomplishments you can gain. It’s about how you treat others and the level you can get others to rise to.”
How Police Academy Youth Programs Impact Participants
This is the second youth program I have had the honor to witness in our parish this summer. Contrary to what many may perceive when they hear the term youth program as it is associated with a police force, these programs are not boot camps for troubled youth. It provides a fun and safe environment where they receive first-hand experience in valuable skills that develop positive attitudes and structure.
These programs are shaping our youth to be true leaders and shines light on just how many ways our officers in law enforcement, first responders and military personnel among many others, serve the community. They are not only here to serve and protect, they are model citizens and role models for the youth in their communities.
As I was leaving the Civic Center after the close of the program I overheard one of the graduating cadets exclaim how they couldn’t wait to participate again next year. For the many officers, organizers, personnel and all those who play a vital role in putting these programs together, I would say it’s well worth it.
