Sheriff recognizes first graduates of 2016 Youth Public Safety Academy

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office kicked off its 17th year of the Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) this week.  Children from Arlington, Burlington, Newton and Waltham graduated July 8, after spending four days learning from members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office as well as local police and fire departments.

“For 17 years YPSA has brought together local youngsters and members of the public safety community,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.  “YPSA is an incredible opportunity to instill life lessons, provide critical public safety tools to some of our youngest residents, and allow children and public safety professionals to spend time getting to know one another.  That is why I am so incredibly proud of this program.”

YPSA is offered as a low-cost, educational camp for county residents ages 9-11.  The program runs six one-week camps and graduates hundreds of cadets every year.

The cadets participate in several exercises during the week including fire hazard training in the Middlesex Sheriff’s fire safety trailer; team building activities at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica; K9 demonstrations; and visits with local police and fire officials during community days.

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