Middlesex Sheriff’s Office celebrates third Special Citizens Academy

Over twenty local residents joined Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian on May 23 to celebrate their graduation from the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) Special Citizens Academy. The free, four week program is specifically designed for adults with developmental disabilities who have an interest in public safety.

“This Academy gives these members of our community an opportunity to meet and interact with deputies, corrections officers and other law enforcement in an educational environment,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “Seeing the smiles on the cadets’ faces as they learn from these professionals is heartwarming, and their enthusiasm is simply infectious.”

Cadets at the Academy attended classes on issues such as Internet Safety and Awareness; Fire Safety and First Aid; and Scam Prevention. They also witnessed demonstrations from the MSO and National Park Service K-9 Units and met members of the MSO’s Special Operations and Command Center staffs.

Families and local officials were invited to attend the graduation at the MSO Training Academy in Chelmsford, where cadets heard from Sheriff Koutoujian and Chris Scott, Executive Director of the Valley Collaborative in Billerica.

The next Academy is already scheduled for fall 2018; interested participants and caregivers can contact Community Affairs Director Ken Doucette at 978-495-7408 to register for the program.

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