Published in the August 10, 2018 edition

MELROSE — Chief Michael L. Lyle has announced that the Melrose Police Department’s annual Junior Police Academy was a great success.

The program, now in its fifth year, consists of three separate one-week sessions in June and July, which are held at Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School, with outdoor activities on Fred Green Field.

This year, 144 Melrose residents, ages 10-13, attended the free academy, engaging in a range of physical activities designed to promote teamwork and test their speed, focus and physical abilities.

Students additionally spent time in the classroom, where they learned about investigations, patrol procedures, traffic enforcement, bullying, drugs and cyber safety. Officer Brian Trainor and K-9 Niro also made an appearance, giving a demonstration on how dogs can assist in apprehending a suspect.

THIS SUMMER, 144 Melrose residents attended the Melrose Police Department’s Junior Police Academy. (Courtesy Photo Melrose Police)

This year featured a special visit from the Massachusetts State Police Mounted Unit, with members speaking about the special patrol unit and giving participants the opportunity to interact with the horses.

“As in years past, the Junior Police Academy was an extremely positive experience for all participants,” Chief Lyle said. “Cadets had the opportunity to participate in realistic training exercises, watch demonstrations and even meet members of the State Police.”

Chief Lyle would like to thank all members of the Melrose Police Department, particularly Sgt. Chuck Byrne, Officer Alan Brown and Officer Jim Applegate, for their hard work during the academy, along with the 10 high school volunteers who assisted officers throughout the three-week sessions.

Melrose Police would also like to extend a special thanks to Junior Police Academy partners: G&T Auto Body, Stephens Auto Body, The T-Stop, the Melrose Fire Department, Superior Printing & Promotions, Pro-Am Enterprises, Jaime Parsons, Marianne Farrell and Kevin Cronin from the Melrose Public Schools, Melrose Veteran Services and the Massachusetts State Police Mounted Unit.