Police thank contributor to civilian academy class

Course offered to Metuchen residents each year since 2002

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer

METUCHEN — With the help of donations from State Farm Insurance over the last four years, police are able to show the public all aspects of what being a police officer is all about.

John J. Baldino, public affairs specialist for State Farm, presented a check for $2,000 to the Metuchen Police Department during the first session of the ninth annual Civilian Police Academy at Borough Hall on March 1. This was the largest donation since the company started making contributions in 2005.

“We’re fortunate that we are able to work with the police department and we are happy to be supportive,” Baldino said. “This is a great program, and they do a terrific job.” The company’s work with the police department is part of its promise to always be “a good neighbor,” he said.

Patrolman David Liantonio, who reached out to the insurance company in 2005 seeking donations, said there are 15 members in this year’s Civilian Police Academy class.

“The donations have paid for binders, the T-shirts and hats, training handcuffs, the pellets and airsoft guns we use with the active shooter activity, flashlights, and more safety vests,” he said.

The police department has been holding the 13-week academy since 2002, allowing residents to see what police officers do on a daily basis. Residents age 18 years old and older can participate.

Participants have ranged from an 84- year-old resident to young adults who are interested in law enforcement, police said.

The class, which police describe as interactive and hands-on, touches on everything from handcuff techniques to firearms training, motor vehicle stop scenarios, and crime scene and fatal accident investigations. Metuchen police officers, who volunteer their time, provide various lecture topics on issues from drunken driving to pepper spray.

Participants receive a visit from a New Jersey State Police helicopter unit and from various emergency service personnel, including Metuchen’s Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, Office of Emergency Management and Police Auxiliary.

The class also includes a municipal court practical where participants can learn how the court process works and the role of a police officer in a trial.