Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy

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2022

The Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy for 2022 was a success!  The week-long program was conducted on June 26 to July 1. JPA is a collaboration of the Washington Township, Westwood and Emerson Police Departments for children 10 to 14. Many children come back to JPA year after year, elevating the level of excellence and service.

The continuing focus of Junior Police Academy is to educate students on the dangers of drugs, alcohol and making bad life decisions. We stress being a good citizen and model the example of teamwork and team spirit. Other benefits include building friendships with children from other towns and fostering positive relationships local Police Officers. Our students also get a first-hand look at the work of federal, state and local law enforcement.

Each morning begins with a physical fitness training session.  We are grateful to the many Public Safety volunteers who donate their time to provide demonstrations. Some of the agencies and individuals that attended were the Township of Washington Motor Unit, Glen Rock Motor Unit, Bergen County Sheriffs Police Motor Unit, Paramus Police Emergency Services, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, Bergen County Regional S.W.A.T., Bergen County W.S.A.R, Bergen County Sherrifs BCI, New Jersey State Police and Metlife, Teaneck Fire Department, Erick Taveres from LoyaltyBJJNJ, Perform As Designed Mobile Gym and the DEA, Washington Township, Emerson and Hillsdale Fire Departments.  A special Thank you to the Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Washington Township Ambulance Corps.

The week was capped off with Graduation, followed by Pizza and refreshments!

 

 

2019

The Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy for 2019 was another overwhelming success with 112 local students registered. The week-long program was conducted on June 26 to July 1. JPA is a collaboration of the Washington Township, Westwood and Hillsdale Police Departments for children 10 to 14. Many children come back to JPA year after year, elevating the level of excellence and service.

Each morning begins with a physical fitness training session provided by Travis Sample, of Sample Fitness. Travis is not only a lifelong resident of Washington Twp., but a former D.A.R.E. Student, Chief Richard Skinner and Detective Heather Castronova. This relationship enhances the hometown environment of Junior Police Academy.

We are grateful to the many Public Safety volunteers who donate their time to provide demonstrations. Some of the agencies that attended were the Township of Washington and Paramus Police Motorcycle Units, Paramus Police Emergency Services, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, Bergen County Regional S.W.A.T., The US Drug Enforcement Administration, The US Secret Service, US Customs, Paterson Police K-9, Washington Township and Hillsdale Fire Departments, Hillsdale and Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the NJ Nation Guard Drug Interdiction Helicopter.

The week was capped off by a visit to the Palisade Interstate Parkway Police Marine Unit. JPA students also observed a Helicopter landing by Hackensack University Medical Center Air Med One on graduation day. Pizza and refreshments were served after graduation allowing our Officer to spend time with parents and students to discuss the highlights of the week.