MSO celebrates completion of 18th Annual Youth Public Safety Academy

CHELMSFORD, Mass – Middlesex Sheriff Peter J Koutoujian today thanked all those who made this year’s 18th Annual Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) an overwhelming success.

Over six weeks this summer, 1055 cadets (ages 8-12), from 39 Middlesex County communities participated in the YPSA program held at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Training Academy in Chelmsford.

“I want to thank our incredible staff, as well as our public safety and community partners for making this year’s YPSA so successful.  Most importantly I want to thank all the cadets and their families,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “For nearly two decades, YPSA has been an incredible opportunity for us to teach important public safety lessons in a fun-filled setting.  And most importantly, the camp continues to be a place where some of youngest residents can spend quality time meeting and getting to know the public safety professionals working hard to keep them safe each and every day.”

YPSA is offered as a low-cost, educational camp and is comprised of six, one-week sessions.  Traditionally for youngsters ages 9-11, this year the camp was expanded to include eight and 12-year-olds.  This year, the MSO also offered 147 full scholarships to youngsters who may otherwise not have been able to attend.

This summer cadets participated in several exercises including fire hazard training in the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office fire safety trailer and on equipment provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services; team building activities at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica; K9 demonstrations; and visits with local police and fire officials during community days.

To learn more about YPSA, please visit our website at www.middlesexsheriff.org/ypsa or contact the Office of Community Affairs at 978-495-7408.  Information on registration for the 2018 Youth Public Safety Academy will be posted in late winter.

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