Apopka Public Safety Youth Academy still growing

From the Apopka Police Department Public Information Office

The 2018 Apopka Public Safety Youth Academy turned 16 this summer, and like most 16-year-olds is still in a growth spurt.

The Academy was started back in 2003 by now Apopka Police Department Captain Jerome Miller and Sergeant Kim Walsh. It has grown every year since its inception. It is a two-week academy that young men and women who are in high school and have an interest in Law Enforcement or Fire/EMS/Paramedic as a career can go behind the scenes and learn from Apopka’s finest.

The first week is Police Week and consists of physical training, K9 demonstrations, bike safety class, SWAT demo, Defensive Tactics, Crime Scene/Criminal Investigations Division lecture, Courthouse and jail tours, and Traffic Safety and Enforcement instruction.

The second week of the class is Fire Week and consists of fire engine evolutions, fire hydrant connections, fire extinguisher demo, heavy rescue, rappelling, search and rescue, CPR, and tours of the fire stations.

We would also like to thank our sponsors, who without their help by being involved in our programs with the community, would not succeed unless they were involved.

A big thank you to Chick-Fil-A, McDonald's, Bravo Supermarket, Dairy Queen, Marco’s Pizza, Rosati’s Pizza, Domino’s Pizza, and Hurricanes Grill & Wings for sponsoring lunch for the students and instructors each day. Also, Super Wal-Mart and Sams-Club Apopka made considerable donations for the academy which helps cover costs for snacks and drinks throughout the day. Brunswick Bowling Apopka is also a great sponsor who allows the students to come and unwind at the end of the week.