Middlesex Sheriff’s Office graduates 21 from Special Citizens Academy

Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian saluted 21 local residents who graduated the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office’s (MSO) Special Citizens Academy during a ceremony held Monday, October 21 in Chelmsford.

The Special Citizens Academy is a four-week program designed for individuals with developmental disabilities who have an interest in public safety.  The most recent session was conducted in conjunction with the Billerica-based Valley Collaborative.

“Since its inception in 2017, the Special Citizens Academy has been one of our most successful programs,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “Not only do participants learn about the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, but also about ways to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

Academy participants attended classes on issues such as Internet safety and awareness, fire safety and personal safety, as well as scam prevention.  They also met officers from the MSO’s training academy and some of its specialized units, and spent time with MSO K-9s Pebbles and Dali, as well as National Park Service K-9 Oscar.

Over 110 individuals have now graduated the Special Citizens Academy since Sheriff Koutoujian launched the program, with courses being held in Belmont, Newton, Wakefield and at the MSO Training Academy in Chelmsford. Interested participants and caregivers can contact Community Affairs Director Ken Doucette by phone at 978-495-7408 to register for a future Academy.

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