Manchester Graduates First Youth Police Academy

The Manchester Township Police Department is celebrating the graduation of the 2015 Youth Police Academy.

The week-long event from August 3-7, 2015 was the first of its kind for the township.  School Resource Officer and Academy leader Christopher Cerullo says students in grades 6, 7 and 8 learned the history of the police department, took a tour of the Ocean County Police Academy, attended SWAT demonstrations, and learned about physical fitness, traffic safety, and first aid.

"We're very proud of our first Youth Police Academy class," said SRO Cerullo.  "In addition to teaching them about what we as officers do on a daily basis, the academy allowed us to connect with these students, building relationships and a sense of community."

The students also got the chance to meet Manchester's K-9 Officer, Storm, and his handler, Patrolman Marc Micciulla.  Manchester Police Chief Lisa Parker was also pleased with the programs' success.

"Our Youth cadets learned a lot during their week with us, and I'm proud of their dedication and success," Chief Parker said.  "They're a great group of kids."

The department now plans to make the Youth Police Academy an annual summer event.  This year's Academy was made possible with help from Patrolmen Arthur Cronk and Patrick Mabie, the Ocean County Police Academy, Ocean County SWAT, and the Manchester First Aid and Rescue Squad.