Skip to Main
News

Mount Pleasant Middle Schoolers Graduate Youth Police Academy

9&10 Logo

Cadets in the Mount Pleasant Police Department’s Youth Police Academy are celebrating after graduating from the program Thursday.

It’s the department’s 21st Youth Police Academy, giving kids an up close look at the skills and training needed for law enforcement careers. The Academy Leader, Officer Josh Theisen, says it’s a great opportunity for kids to get an idea what police need to know on a day-to-day bases.

“[It] gives these guys a little bit of structure during the summer where they might lose it a little bit being outside of school,” Officer Theisen said.

The academy runs for three weeks. In that time, cadets receive hands-on training sessions and classroom instruction. Mount Pleasant’s Public Information, Officer Autume Balcom, says cadets realized how much knowledge and fitness an officer needs in order to do their job.

“Every aspect of police work the kids get to touch on a little bit. Whether it’s finger printing, K-9 unit, detectives come in. We also have the DNR come in and they’re actually boater safety certified when they leave,” Officer Balcom explained.

One of this year’s cadets, Sullivan Lambright, says he had a lot of fun and learned a lot.

“We ran a lot, we saw a K-9 unit come. We did DNR, we drove some boats. We got to go swimming after. We did that at Coldwater Lake — it wasn’t that cold though,” Lambright smiled.

Cadets even got a chance to learn more than just what it takes to be an officer, but how to be a good person as well.

“It provides such a positive impact because these kids. Like I said they learn the discipline the small details of things. How to respond to tough situations, not to give up on yourself, be a good teammate, and that easily transitions into the classroom,” said Officer Theisen.

Officer Theisen says he’s happy to not only build relationships with the kids, but also watch them grow.

“It was so rewarding to see those kids work through the struggles that they were having both physically and mentally. So, to watch them all make it, and watch them have fun. It kind of builds some confidence within themselves. It’s very rewarding,” Officer Theisen stated.

9&10 Logo
9&10 Logo

Local Trending News