I attended the 11 annual graduation ceremonies of the Greenburgh police summer youth camp this morning. Thanks to a generous grant from the Lanza Foundation of $65,000 the Greenburgh Police Department was able to continue this program in 2009. The Lanza Foundation recently decided to continue funding the program in 2010. 100% of the costs of the program were assumed by the Lanza Foundation. The camp ran for the past seven weeks.
This year 25 children graduated from the program. The children are between the ages of 12 and 17. The camp is, in essence, be a junior police academy where youngsters are placed in a setting similar to that experienced by a police recruit. The seven-week course consisted of physical training and classroom instruction in law and other related topics. Guest lecturers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, District Attorney’s Office, United States Secret Service and other areas within the Criminal Justice System presented an overview of their agency’s operation. Demonstrations by specialized police units and field trips to courts and other criminal justice institutions also took place. Contemporary issues such as alcohol and drug abuse swere addressed and students participated in various role-play scenarios, which illustrate the practical everyday problems faced by law enforcement officers. Campers received instruction and certification in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Water Rescue by police instructors.
The goal of this program is to expose your son or daughter to various law enforcement careers while developing academic ability and self-esteem. Campers come away from the program with meaningful skills and a better understanding of the criminal justice system and its potential as a career. One of the graduates of the camp is currently a Greenburgh police officer.
Sergeant Tim Carroll was the camp director & lead instructor. His enthusiasm and dedication to the program & children was evident during the graduation ceremonies. Police officer David Zenon also was an instructor this summer. The town is very lucky to have two very dedicated members of the police dept involved in this program.
Town Board members Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Francis Sheehan and I are very appreciative to the Lanza Family Foundation for their sponsorship of this program.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
