SHERIFF YOUTH WEEK

It was not an ordinary week of summer camp for the 126 recruits who participated in the 21st Annual Sheriff Youth Week, which began on July 8 and ended July 12, with a formal graduation. The challenging program, held at the Monmouth County Police Academy, provides high school aged students a unique opportunity to explore interests in law enforcement through police academy style training, exercise programs and instructional sessions.

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“I commend the entire Sheriff Youth Week class for staying the course and completing this intensive week of law enforcement training,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “This program allows the graduates an opportunity to explore the realm of possibilities of a career in law enforcement.”

Each day began and ended with one hour of exercise and drill. During the week, the class learned about various law enforcement topics and agencies. An overview of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division, the 9-1-1 Communications Division and the Monmouth County Correctional Division was provided.

Presentations included the role of the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management during Superstorm Sandy, firearms safety and awareness, women in law enforcement, homeland security, the media and law enforcement and an overview of the gang unit run through the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. Also featured was a crime scene investigation presentation where recruits learned about forensic science, CSI style, from a forensic crime scene specialist. In addition, a graduate of the very first Sheriff Youth Week class, Officer Dalton Douglas, of Brookdale Community College spoke to the recruits about a career in law enforcement.

“I’m grateful to have been a part of this program,” said Jack Borrelli of Howell Township. “It was tough, but I learned discipline and what it takes to have a career in law enforcement.”

“This program was interesting, challenging and tough at times,” said Natalie Cribbin of Spring Lake Heights. “I learned about all the aspects of law enforcement and grateful for this opportunity.”

A major focal point of the week was on Wednesday July 10, when the recruits spent the day at Neptune High School. They learned about water safety and rescue at the Neptune Aquatic Center, participated in rock climbing, zip lining, an obstacle course and Five K challenge.

“It is our pleasure to host this day and provide the participants with a great opportunity,” said David Mooij, Superintendent of Neptune Township Schools. “I commend the class for their hard work and perseverance and hope to continue this partnership with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.”

Other interactive demonstrations throughout the week included presentations from the Sheriff’s Office K-9 teams, a helicopter demo from Pilot Brian Gosnell and a display of emergency vehicle units.

“Sheriff Youth Week has provided the graduates with valuable insight as to what it takes to become a law enforcement professional and leader of tomorrow,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone.

This year, Sheriff Youth Week was the largest class to date. Mr. and Mrs. William W. Wingard, of New Jersey Gravel & Sand in Wall Township sponsored the event and were acknowledged at the graduation ceremony for their dedication and commitment in supporting Sheriff Youth Week each year.