Week #1 of the 2024 Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) wrapped up Friday, July 12 with more than 100 cadets celebrating their graduation.
Surrounded by family and friends, the cadets participating in Week #1 hailed primarily from Bedford, Lexington, Medford and Woburn. The campers heard from Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, local and state officials during a ceremony held at Chelmsford High School.
“Throughout the last week, these 103 youngsters got to experience what I believe is one of the finest summer camps around. They got to learn valuable safety lessons, build lifelong friendships with their fellow cadets, and meet the police officers and firefighters who serve their hometowns” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “I am grateful to our outstanding staff and our community partners who continue to make this camp such a powerful experience for the cadets and their families.”
Over the course of the week, cadets spent time with local police and fire officials as well as with members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office. In addition, they took part in team building exercises and participated in a wide variety of educational lessons focused on internet, personal and family safety.
Joining Sheriff Koutoujian to recognize last week’s graduates were State Representative Paul Donato (D-Medford), Woburn Mayor Michael Concannon, Governor’s Councillor Marilyn M. Pettito Devaney, Bedford Police Chief John Fisher, Lexington Police Chief Michael McLean, Medford Police Chief Jack Buckley, Woburn Police Chief Robert Rufo, Woburn City Councilor Charles Viola and Woburn School Committeeman Michael Mulrenan.
Now in its 23rd year, YPSA is comprised of five, one-week sessions and is open to individuals ages 8-12 living in any Middlesex County community. Children ages 13-15 may also apply to participate as Counselors-In-Training, or CITs.
To learn more about the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office or the YPSA program, please visit www.middlesexsheriff.org.
###
