Police academy attracts 20

By Phyllis Lehrer
Staff Writer

Published on July 27, 2007

The first Amherst Police Adventure Academy attracted 20 students who had a glimpse into the field of law enforcement and criminal justice.

The free one-week academy held earlier this month included morning lectures and interactive demonstrations in crime scene investigation, gangs, narcotics, defensive tactics, patrol procedures, K9 and court room procedures.

A ropes course was held in the afternoon at the Norwottuck Range so students could learn the importance of team work and communication with their peers and police.

The academy graduates: Thomas Adair, Christopher Bartlett, Timothy Bobrowksi, Chandi Byrne, Mario Merida Carderas, Cal Churchill, Graham Churchill, Jesse Coull, Connor Dunn, Chance Ewart, Zoe Langsdale, Rachel Perry, A. Miguel Reda, Elaina Therrien, Kevin Tran and Jacqueline Wang of Amherst; Gabriel Benvenuto-Ladin, Dennis Griswold and Erik Lucas Rubiero of Pelham; and Julia Couture of South Hadley.

Local businesses provided lunch and refreshments.

The academy was funded by the state Executive Office of Public Safety's Community Policing Grant Program.

For information, call Lt. Jennifer Gundersen at 259-3012.