Week #5 of the 2024 Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) wrapped up Friday, August 9 with just over 100 cadets celebrating their graduation.
Surrounded by family and friends, the cadets participating in Week #5 hailed primarily from Chelmsford, Lowell, Tewksbury, Wilmington and surrounding communities.
“Throughout the week, these 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 Peter J. 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 and Special Sheriff Amoroso Cefalo to recognize the graduates were Chelmsford Police Chief Colin C. Spence, Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan, Chelmsford Town Manager Paul Cohen, State Representative David Robertson (D- Tewksbury/ Wilmington), Tewksbury Select Board Vice Chair Mark Kratman and Governor’s Councillor Marilyn M. Pettito, among others.
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.
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