Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Recruits From The 28th Annual Sheriff Youth Week Graduate
Freehold: Sheriff Shaun Golden began the week by talking to the Sheriff Youth Week recruits about commitment, attitude and perseverance and ended it on graduation day, by proudly handing certificates to the 59 participants who completed the 28th annual Sheriff Youth Week Program. The highly recognized program ran from July 12 through July 16 and is anything but an ordinary week of summer camp. It equips high school aged students with a unique opportunity to explore interests in law enforcement through police academy-style training, exercise activities and instructional sessions.
“We are so proud of the entire Sheriff Youth Week class for staying the course and commend all for completing this intensive week of law enforcement training. At the beginning of the week, I tell the recruits that they if they bring energy, excitement and are engaged in this program, it will be an experience of a lifetime.” said Sheriff Golden. “Sheriff Youth Week provides our youth to explore the realm of possibilities of a career in public safety. As a result, many will become future leaders in law enforcement.”
Each day began with drill and ended with exercise. During the week, the class learned about various law enforcement topics and agencies. An overview of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement, Communications and Corrections Divisions was provided. Interactive sessions included mock drills from the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team, MOCERT. A major focal point of the week was when recruits spent the day at the Situational Training And Response Simulator, STARS facility. In rotational groups, recruits learned about the VirTra Simulator, a decision making and tactical firearms virtual threat simulator, which is equipped with five large screens and shows real life types of scenarios. In addition, K-9, Project Lifesaver, vehicle simulator, drone, dive team and motor vehicle stop demonstrations were conducted, along with a display of special operations and equipment. Also included throughout the week were presentations on vaping and opioid awareness, internet safety, women in law enforcement, emergency medical awareness training and bicycle patrol with an interactive police bicycle course, and an entire regimen of health and fitness including a 5-K run.
“This has been a great experience. I’ve learned so much through the presentations, discussions and interactive displays and enjoy the program. After being here, I decided that I want to pursue a career in law enforcement,” said Noah Foggy, Keansburg.”
It’s been wonderful, I really enjoyed everything from the drill to the physical training. It is all fun and interesting. I want to be a detective and Sheriff Youth Week helps me narrow down what division of law enforcement I would like to pursue,” said Joseph Martino, Howell Township.
“The program has made me respect the work of a police officer since I now realize what goes into protecting the public. I’ve also learned how to be a leader and why it’s so important,” said Jayden Gomez, Eatontown.
“Sheriff Youth Week is a great program and helped me become a better leader. The lectures were very interesting and the hands on experiences and demonstrations opened our eyes to what law enforcement is all about,” said Alex Coman, Wall Township.
“I love it. This is my third year. I might want to be a state trooper so coming here provides me with such a great experience,” said Kristin LaValle, Colts Neck.
“It gave me courage to be up for a challenge. I made a lot of friends and thank all the instructors for their guidance,” said Nicolas Tarrazi, Cream Ridge.
“It’s been wonderful, I really enjoyed everything from the drill to the physical training. It is all fun and interesting. I want to be a detective and what is provided at Sheriff Youth Week helps me narrow down what division of law enforcement I would like to pursue,” said Joseph Martino, Howell Towship.
During the graduation, Sheriff Golden and Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone specially recognized the late Hon. Deputy Sheriff William Wingard and his wife, Marie, of New Jersey Gravel & Sand in Wall Township. The Wingard family has been the sponsors of Sheriff Youth Week since 1992 and were acknowledged at the graduation ceremony for their dedication and commitment throughout the years.
A very special thanks to Executive Undersheriff Ted Freeman and his exceptional Sheriff Youth Week staff for consistently going above and beyond, in making Sheriff Youth Week the best youth academy program in the state.
For a downloadable version of this press release, click here: News Release -Sheriff Youth Week – July 2021
