We joined the Citizen’s Police Academy sponsored by the Boynton Beach Police Department. This is our second year taking this class. The class meets on Wednesdays for 10 weeks from 7 to 10 p.m.
During each session we had up to six policemen give us demonstrations and slideshows. Police instructors answered all our questions. We had two or three different program elements each week and every one of them was very interesting, some were fun to watch and all were informative. They ranged from K-9 unit demonstrations to information about special weapons and tactics and the Police Athletic League.
It would be hard to pick our favorite evening, as each night we learned so much from each group. On one memorable night they Tasered two rookie policemen. Every police officer who will be using a Taser must experience being Tasered. It was difficult to watch, as it felt like one of our grandchildren was being Tasered that evening.
In addition to the classroom experiences, we participated in a ride-along program. We were able to spend four hours riding with the policemen while they were on duty.
We had no idea how the other half of the world lives and once we were home safe we thanked God for our country and our freedom. We are so lucky to live in the country we live in.
We have always felt so safe in our area, but with drugs and all the crime we have now, it is good to know we are so well-protected. We always had a lot of respect for our policemen, but now are more aware of the job they are doing and the danger they are in each day. They are like everyone else. They do their job the best as they can and look forward to a safe return home to their families after each shift.
After we finished our 10 weeks, the Police Department hosted a banquet for class members. They give us a diploma, shirts and a picture of the whole group who attended.
It was a wonderful and fulfilling experience for us and many others. We met a lot of nice people and now when we hear the police siren, we know the police are out doing their job to protect every one of us. We should feel very blessed to have them in our community.
Bev and Lew Williams
Briny Breezes
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