The Shadow
Eighteen area residents have something to be proud of – they are the first graduates of the Advance Citizen’s Police Academy program.
Students ended their 11-week experience Thursday evening with a graduation ceremony held in Covington City Hall Council Chambers.
Members of the class included Jay Scruggs, Dano Villegas, Andy Rickett, Darrell Via, Jenna Downer, Bobbie Charles, Suzie Fridley, Mary Downer, Clara Mosley, Willie Ramos, Shane Wright, Gary Fisher, Joe Cormier, Kim Vass, Ron Smith, Frances Hinkle, Pat Tucker and Anita Simmons.
The Advance Citizen’s Police Academy is designed to educate the citizens of the Alleghany Highlands with the operations of their local police departments.
Officers from the Covington Police Department, the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office, the Clifton Forge Police Department and the Town of Iron Gate Police Department served as instructors for the course.
“I know how much you’ve enjoyed this class and how much it has meant to you,” Covington Police Chief J.B. Broughman said to begin the ceremony. “These officers have sacrificed their time to come and participate in this class because they enjoy working with you so much. This reminds us of who we serve and how much we appreciate you.”
Certificates of appreciation were presented to three individuals who had contributed significant amounts of time and resources to the class – Iron Gate Police Chief Brad Hodge, Retired Det. Kenny Lane, a retired Covington police detective and current investigator with the Department of Social Services, and Commonwealth’s Attorney Ed Stein.
“I was really pleased with this class,” Lane said. “I took on some things that I had never done before and each of you helped make that possible. You all need to be thanked for having enough interest in this class to come out each week and participate.”
Stein added, “I thank you all for letting me participate. I had such a great time. We are lucky to have the law enforcement officers we have here in this area. The level of cooperation is wonderful.”
Covington police officers Cpl. Chris Smith and Officer Juan Roldan were also recognized for their extra contributions to the success of the class.
“The program would not have been as big a success without these two officers,” First Sgt. Roger Dawson, course coordinator, said.
“The Advance Citizen’s Police Academy is a revolutionary concept in law enforcement and police-community relations,” Dawson said. “It provides the community with an inside look at local law enforcement and enhance their knowledge of how local police departments operate.”
Members of the Advance Citizen’s Police Academy were residents who had completed earlier basic citizen police academies.
The advanced course takes the concept of resident involvement a step further, allowing for more hands-on experience in the various aspects of crime prevention, law enforcement and legal issues.
The course enhances and increases the understanding between the citizens and law enforcement.
During the 11-week program, students covered topics that ranged from driving under the influence, firearms and domestic violence to search warrants and a mock trial and mock crime scene.
“A program like the Advance Citizen’s Police Academy allows for more open discussion and interaction,” Dawson continued. “It allows the participants to have a more hands-on approach, thus making it much easier to exchange ideas and receive feedback on the various programs that the police department is using.”
“This advanced program gives the public an opportunity to voice concerns and offer ideas that can assist in solving issues. The Advance Citizen’s Police Academy goes to great lengths to improve and boost community relations between the many aspects of society, for example, local businesses, citizens, police officers and local governments,” Dawson continued.
Following Thursday’s ceremony, dinner was provided by Mama’s Pizza.
In an interview Friday morning Dawson added, “Remember, graduates of this course are not police officers, but are better-informed citizens. Graduates are better able to relate their experiences to friends and co-workers. Graduates may also, at times, serve as a liaison between citizens and local law enforcement agencies.”
