By Amanda Pevey
Elmore/Autauga News
Top Photo: Week One Participants
The Millbrook Junior Police Academy held two full weeks of camps at Millbrook Middle School from June 20th thru 24th and from June 27th thru July 1st. A special ceremony took place on Fridays of both weeks to recognize all of the graduates. A total of 54 cadets graduated from the Academy. All cadets experienced a week of engaging, hands-on learning, about law enforcement. They learned the values of honesty, integrity, and respect of a law enforcement officer.
Lieutenant Stephen Youngblood and SRO Corporal Kristen Godwin are the two in charge of the Millbrook Junior Police Academy.
Experiences that each camper learned included clearing a building, hostage negotiations, criminal investigations, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), handling a weapon properly, K-9 officer training, and self-defense.
This year the students saw what would happen if you were maced with pepper spray and Corporal Alexander Webb volunteered to demonstrate both weeks. They also learned about the taser, which is a non-lethal weapon.
Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis graciously volunteered to be tased in the first week and Millbrook Middle School’s Coach Stevie Creel volunteered in the second week.
Another highlight that happened in the second week of camp, when Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) helicopter brought in the SWAT team from the Millbrook Police Department to demonstrate their skills to the cadets. The campers ran a total of four miles by the end of the week and experienced day one training of an actual police academy.
During the ceremony each camper took an oath of promise, administered by Captain Hurst during the first week, and Chief P.K. Johnson acknowledged the cadets during the second week. The oath is a promise to obey all the laws and assist their fellow citizens, and if you see something, say something.
Lt. Youngblood spoke highly of the graduates regarding their dedication, participation, and commitment.
“We had a blast with them. They endured the heat, drank plenty of water, and stayed dedicated throughout the week,” Youngblood said. “I would like to take this opportunity and thank the Elmore County Board of Education and the Elmore County Partnership for Children, Millbrook Middle School, Elmore County Child Nutrition program, and New Era Supply Company. I also want to thank all the officers who took time out of their schedule to help throughout the week. We definitely appreciate all their help and it’s because of them that this program is truly successful.”
Pam Johnson, who is the Prevention Director for the Elmore County Partnership for Children, provided classes on vaping, demonstration of Drunk Goggles that simulated impaired driving.
SRO Corporal Godwin addressed the parents and family members that attended the ceremony. “I want to thank you all for allowing your children to be here with us. We had a huge turn out this year, and unfortunately, we had to turn some away because we had so many this year. We have really enjoyed the students this week. I hope they enjoyed us as much as we worked them out this week,” Godwin said.
Chief P.K. Johnson addressed the audience during the second week of camp and spoke on behalf of his department, as well as Mayor Al Kelly. “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the young people that graduated from this year’s sessions of the 2022 Millbrook Police Department Junior Police Academy. To all involved, congratulations and job well done,” said Johnson.
She graduates and names of cadets below.
To register your child for next year’s camp, contact the Millbrook Police Department for more information.
Week 1 Certificates of Completion:
- Lacey Cole
- Jacob Thompson
- Greyson Hurst-
- Kirean Hurst
- Jordyn Jackson
- Hayden Bush
- Kevin McShine
- Cheyenne Thomas
- Aiden Smith
- Mathias Lemke
- John Michael “Jobe” Floyd
- Christian Robles
- Jamarcus Floyd
- Markevious White
- Cortae Robinson
- Sabastian Clark
- Krystalyn Williams
- Emanuel Peralta
- Kaylee Steele
- Kaydn Shutter
- Ashley Headley
- Preston Till
- Jamarion Brice
- Brionnah Flynn
Week 2 Certificates of Completion:
- Jordan Broadmax
- Luke Fleming
- Andrew Whitlock
- Konner Ray
- Kegan Castanza
- Chandler Thompson
- James Licina
- Mitchell Licina
- Bryan Anderson
- Gavin Grady
- Jazlynn Brown
- Mackenzie Ocmand
- Jade Barrett
- Lexi Parker
- Treasure Iverson
- Gavin Jett
- Dakota Brown
- Danny Yell
- Jackson Stuart
- Cameron Knox
- Ella Stark
- Taelon Long
- Tripp Dismukes
- Joy Rogers
- Williams Rogers
- Carlee Savoie
- Daniel Groff
- Steven Groff
- Conner Nelson
Below are photos from the Special Response Team demonstration and Helicopter Landing during the second week of Camp. Special thanks to ALEA’s Greg Rankin and Wayne Barlow.
