The Cabot Police Department marked a major milestone Saturday as it hosted the 10th annual Junior Police Academy Day Camp, welcoming 73 cadets with special needs and other complex medical conditions for a day of learning, fun, and community engagement.
Throughout the day, cadets experienced what it’s like to be a police officer through a variety of interactive training exercises designed to build confidence while creating lasting memories.
Participants rotated through hands-on activities that included:
Handcuffing demonstrations
Baton training
Fingerprinting
NERF gun exercises
“Drunk goggles” impairment activities
Trying on SWAT gear
At the conclusion of the academy, each cadet received a graduation certificate signed by Cabot Police Chief John Dodd, recognizing their accomplishments.
Chief Dodd praised the enthusiasm and determination shown by every participant.
“We saw hard work, good hustle, great attitudes, and awesome kids this morning. Their abilities shined through, and it was spectacular.”
The Junior Police Academy is staffed entirely by volunteers from within the department.
Officers of every rank—including the chief, captains, lieutenants, sergeants, detectives, patrol officers, and their families—gave up part of their Saturday to help make the event a success.
Joining the volunteers were Mayor Ken Kincade and Amanda Kincade, District Court Judge Clint McGue, members of the VA Police Department, the Junior Police Academy Alumni Association, and other area law enforcement officers.
The Cabot Police Department said the annual academy would not be possible without generous community support and thanked numerous volunteers and sponsors, including NLC Cabot’s Serve Team for providing lunch, along with registration volunteers, graduation emcees, and dozens of community members who donated their time and resources.
Police also expressed appreciation to the families who spent their Saturday morning participating in the academy.
Organizers say they are already looking forward to welcoming another class of cadets next year.
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