ANGOLA – Recently, students from Erie 2 BOCES Criminal Justice programs at the Hewes and LoGuidice Educational Centers completed their five-week Youth Police Academy internship and were honored at a graduation ceremony. The large group room at the LoGuidice Center was filled with parents, faculty, staff, and representatives from local law enforcement as each student was recognized for his or her efforts both in the classroom and in the field.

Local dignitaries addressed the Academy during the event with words of encouragement and advice. On hand were Patrick Swanson, district attorney for Chautauqua County; Harry Snellings, chief of the Jamestown Police Department; and Natselyne Peralta, a student in the Criminal Justice program at SUNY Fredonia, who worked directly in the classroom at the LoGuidice Center.

The academy was designed to give participants a feel for what they can expect in a career in law enforcement. All seniors in E2CCB programs must complete an internship and due to safety concerns of students working in dangerous environments, officers from the Chautauqua Sheriff’s Office, the Fredonia and Jamestown police departments, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and more brought their expertise to the campuses for hands-on activities and instruction.

“The knowledge and experience these students got from working side-by-side with our local law enforcement community is as demanding as what they would have received outside of the Academy,” said Jennie Alessi, criminal justice instructor at the LoGuidice Center. “They have participated in car stops, takedown techniques; they’ve worked with the latest in body cameras and a 3-D laser scanner in crime scene investigations. It’s an intense and immersive five weeks for the students, and we are proud of their hard work and accomplishments.”

Classroom instruction is not limited to physical methods and practices as experts presented on ethics, leadership and law. Lessons also focused on teambuilding and teamwork, instruction that is critical in successful law enforcement work.

“Our aim was to provide a well-rounded education that would apply to real-life situations,” commented Snellings.

Addressing the students about professionalism he advised, “Law enforcement is under constant scrutiny, and it will be up to you to correct anything negative that might happen; the hardest thing to do is the right thing so never compromise your integrity.”

In addition to receiving certificates for completing the Academy, individual students were also recognized for their efforts throughout the course.

Outstanding Cadets LoGuidice Center were: Emily Verrett and Dustin Gragg. Outstanding Cadets Hewes Center were: Alexis Crossley and Jordan Spielman

Outstanding Teamwork students LoGuidice Center were: Maddie Cofer and Donald Erwin. Outstanding Teamwork students Hewes Center were: Brent Miller and Autumn Brown.

The 2016 Youth Police Academy Graduates from the LoGuidice Educational Center were: Joseph Caine – Captain (Fredonia), Kaitlin Cofer (Cassadaga), Madelene Cofer (Cassadaga), Brooke Curtis (Dunkirk), Donald Erwin – Lieutenant (Cassadaga), Dustin Gragg – Conflict Officer (Cassadaga), Sarrah Luczkowiak (Westfield), Colyn Miller (Fredonia), Erica Ruia – Platoon Leader (Forestville), and Emily Verrett – Platoon Leader (Forestville).

The 2016 Youth Police Academy Graduates from the Hewes Educational Center are: Autumn Brown – Corporal (Jamestown), Alaynie Crossley (Jamestown) Alexis Crossley – Captain (Jamestown), Brent Miller – Treasurer (Jamestown), Shakire Rivera – 1st Sergeant (Jamestown), Matthew Schoonover, Jordan Spielman (Chautauqua Lake), and Mackenzie Tidd (Jamestown).

For more information on Career and Technical Education Programs offered by E2CCB, please visit: www.e2ccb.org.