EDISON — The Edison Police Department is getting ready to host two, week-long Junior Police Academy sessions for local middle school students starting July 31.
Due to the program’s popularity, police Lt. Robert Dudash Jr. suggests parents act quickly to enroll youngsters for their choice of sessions. The first session runs from July 31 to Aug. 4 and the second, from Aug. 7-11. Each daily session runs from 9-2 p.m. at the Woodrow Wilson Middle School, 50 Woodrow Wilson Drive, Edison.
“As families plan their summer vacations and weekend recreation schedules, we hope they remember to schedule our Junior Police Academy into their plans,” Dudash said. “Our Junior Police Academies provide youngsters with plenty of fun and valuable information that may inspire them and can help keep them safe.”
Edison’s Junior Police Academy is open to all township youngsters entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade as of this coming September. The registration deadline is July 21.
Junior Police Academy activities include DWI and anti-drug education, personal safety instruction, sports activities and a variety of demonstrations involving police K-9s, emergency response, fire safety and suppression, motor vehicle stops and much more.
Academy graduates will receive diplomas at 1 p.m. ceremonies — Aug. 4 after the first session and Aug. 11 after the second session — in the Council Chamber at the Municipal Complex, 100 Municipal Boulevard, Edison. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Academy class sizes are limited, so students will be selected on a first-come-first-serve basis. The program fee is $100 per session, payable to the Edison Municipal Alliance by check or money order. The fee covers costs for lunches, snacks, refreshments, T-shirts, water bottles and other giveaways.
Interested residents may contact Lt. Dudash of the Edison Police Community Services Unit at 732-248-6442 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Applications are also on the township’s web site at www.edisonnj.org.