**Week 1 2023 Cadets taking their oath to be good citizens from Millbrook Police Chief P.K.Johnson.**

By Amanda Pevey

Elmore/Autauga News

Pictures submitted by Amanda Pevey, Cpl. White and Lt. Stephen Youngblood

Sixteen Junior Police Academy graduates were recognized Friday at Millbrook Middle School as the class of 2023-1. Over the last week, the students worked hard to become a team and improve themselves physically and mentally. This particular academy is a fun, exciting, and demanding experience. The students were able to experience the different challenges and obstacles that law enforcement face each day. Lieutenant Stephen Youngblood and SRO Corporal Kristen White are the two in charge of the Millbrook Junior Police Academy. On Monday, a whole new set of cadets will attend a week of camp at Millbrook Middle School.

Throughout the week, the cadets observed numerous demonstrations that showcased the different aspects of law enforcement. The students witnessed a live Taser and OC (Pepper Spray) demonstration. Justin Damron, a Millbrook Middle School 6^th grade teacher, volunteered to be tased. Ewell Fuller, SEHS Principal, volunteered for OC spray exposure. The cadets learned about crime scene investigation, building clearing, self-defense, athleticism, agility, character building, and much more.

During the ceremony, the cadets took an oath of promise, administered by Chief P.K. Johnson. The oath is a promise to obey all the laws, and assist their fellow citizens, and if you see something, say something. Mayor Al Kelley was in attendance and congratulated everyone for their hard work and dedication.

“Cpl. White and I could not thank our volunteers enough,” said Lt. Stephen Youngblood.

He continued, “It takes way more than just the two of us to make this academy work. Several officers with the Millbrook Police Department and Elmore County Sheriff’s Office assisted, along with other volunteers. Those volunteers help make this program successful and exciting. They take each class and look for ways to improve their part to make it better for the next class. We also appreciate the support from our Mayor and police administration. Cpl. White and I thoroughly enjoy working with the youth in our area. We are here to build positive relationships. This academy allows us an opportunity to demonstrate that we are men and women just like their parents who come to work to make a positive difference. We get just as much enjoyment out of this program as the children do. Cpl. White and I look forward to continuing this Junior Police Academy. We hope that it continues to grow both in numbers and positive relationships built!”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lieutenant Stephen Youngblood, Corporal Kristen White and our staff, who instructed the Millbrook Junior Police Academy Class 2023-1 this week,” said Chief P.K. Johnson.

He continued, “I had the pleasure of attending their graduation ceremony this afternoon and gave these energetic young people their official oath of office following their successful completion of this week’s training. I also want to thank Mayor Al Kelley for his continued support of the Millbrook Police Department and our continued efforts to build positive relationships with our community and the citizens that we serve. I can’t think of a better place to start than with our young people. While these young people were exposed to similar training that our police officers go through in law enforcement academy environment, learned police procedure, and about the different duties and responsibilities that law enforcement have, this week was not about teaching these young people how to become police officers. It was not to identify potential/future recruits. This week was about building relationships with the young people in our community and letting them see people behind the uniform and badge. At the end of the day, we are mothers and fathers just like theirs. We just do a different job. I am sure some of their parents may have appreciated the physical training their young people were exposed to this week, as I am sure they may have come home a little tired after attending their classes each day. Thank you to the parents for allowing us to borrow your children this week. I know they had a great time, made some great memories and maybe even a few new friends. I’m sure that our staff enjoyed the experience just as much as they did, if not more. Thank you to everyone involved! Job Well Done!”

A new set of campers will begin their experience on Monday.

We would personally like to thank our Millbrook Police Department and all those involved in successfully making the Junior Police Academy an amazing experience for our youth each and every year.

Even though spots are full for this year, the camp will be offered again next year. Be sure to check out the Millbrook Middle School’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/mustangpridecatchit, in the Spring 2024 for dates on when to apply for the camp. You can also contact the Millbrook Police Department for more information.

Week 1 Certificate of Completion: