Principal Sean Kreauter was generous enough to sign up to be sprayed with pepper spray and run an obstacle course. As a former police officer, now principal, we suspect this was not his first rodeo. See more photos in the gallery below from the second week of camp.

By Amanda Pevey

Elmore/Autauga News

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

Fifteen Junior Police Academy graduates were recognized Friday at Millbrook Middle School as the class of 2023-2. Over the last week, the students ran a mile each day, did physical workouts, hands-on learning, and learning what law enforcement is all about.

This event is sponsored annually by the Millbrook Police Department.

Each cadet also learned the value of honesty, integrity and respect of a law enforcement officer. Lieutenant Stephen Youngblood and SRO Corporal Kristen White are the two in charge of the Millbrook Junior Police Academy.

Throughout the week, each camper learned about building clearing, hostage negotiations, criminal investigations, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) from Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, how to handle a weapon properly, K-9 officer training, and self-defense.

During the ceremony, the cadets took an oath of promise, administered by Chief P.K. Johnson. The oath is a promise to obey the laws, assist fellow citizens, if you see something, say something, and obey your parents.

“Cpl. White and I concluded our second week of the Junior Police Academy,” said Lieutenant Stephen Youngblood.

He continued, “We graduated with 15 Junior Police Officers. As with all classes, we had a blast with this group of students! They kept it entertaining and energetic. They caught on quickly and truly gave it their all. We teach them numerous topics and give physical demonstrations. We also teach them some life lessons that hopefully they take to heart and utilize; one of which was ‘Can’t means you haven’t tried hard enough.’”

Younblood said the class demonstrated perseverance and never gave up or said they can’t!

“Cpl. White and I appreciate this week’s volunteers, Sean Kreauter, Millbrook Middle School Principal, and Carrie Alverange, Millbrook Middle School Teacher. Kreauter volunteered to get pepper sprayed and then ran through a similar course that police officers complete in the academy. Alveranga volunteered to be tased. The students enjoyed those demonstrations. Lastly, Cpl. White and I could not thank our volunteers enough! 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.”

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate this group of young people, who participated in the Millbrook Police Department’s Junior Police Academy Class of 2023-2,” said Chief Johnson.

He continued, “I had the honor of attending their graduation ceremony and administering their official oath of office. These young people spent the week learning what police officers go through when they attend training at a law enforcement academy. They received instruction in police procedures, crime scene investigation, traffic investigation, physical training and a wealth of other topics were covered. The goal this week was not to identify future recruits or to train these young people to become law enforcement officers. This week was about building relationships with the young people in our community. We want them to see past the uniform and the badge and understand that we’re regular people just like their Mom and Dad. We just have different jobs and responsibilities. I want to thank our class coordinators Lieutenant Stephen Youngblood and Corporal Kristen white, as well as our staff that assisted them during this past week. I also want to thank the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office and everyone else who helped us this week. I have it on good authority that our staff had just as much fun as these young people did during the week. Congratulations Class of 2023-2. Job Well Done!”

The Millbrook Junior Police Academy 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 camp. You can also contact the Millbrook Police Department for more information about the academy.

Week 2 Certificate of Completion:

1. Natalie Hall

2. Anely Lopez

3. Lydia Baker

4. Macie-Lynne Quinlan

5. Dylan Wright

6. Joshuah Broadway

7. Mathias Lemke

8. Jackson Stuart

9. Judith Hanby

10. Christopher Wightman

11. Jamarion Brice