BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield Police Department held a Junior Police Academy graduation Friday, Aug. 11, in Town Hall Council Chambers. This event was for high school-aged students. The BPD had this year initiated an academy for middle school-aged students and a graduation ceremony for those students was held July 28. For the older students, this was the third year of the program. Both programs are two weeks long.
Municipal Plaza was temporarily closed to traffic for the 11 a.m. ceremony. Sgt. Naomi Zepeda, the BPD Community Police Unit commander, was mistress of ceremonies. The BPD Junior Police Academy is under her authority. She said 41 students graduated Aug. 11.
Under the command of Officer Michael McCracken, the students were preceded into the room by bagpiper Jack McGarry, of the Essex County Emerald Society Police and Fire Pipe Band. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Zepeda spoke. She thanked Bloomfield Director of Safety Sam DeMaio, 2nd Ward Councilman Nicholas Joanow and police commanders for attending. On behalf of Mayor Michael Venezia, Joanow said it was a wonderful day.
“It’s wonderful because the graduates had insight into what it means being a police officer,”Joanow said.
He told the graduates that police work was something they should consider doing and called the academy a group effort and one that did not exist years ago.
“I thank all of you,” he said. “Share the word within the community. It’s not only a job but a career, and a noble one.”
DeMaio thanked Zepeda for coordinating the program and the officers who altered their schedules to be instructors.
“Thank you for entrusting your children to us,” he told the parents. “They’ll be changed; a little more regimented. This program builds community trust. What better way to do that than with the children. This is the perfect level to interact with young people. Getting to know each other is important on a personal and community level.”
The academy, he said, was an experience that will bond the students, something they will remember when they meet in the future.
“The police are the community,” he said. “This program fosters that.”
DeMaio said the mayor sent his congratulations to the graduates.
“He could not make it,” DeMaio said. “It’s the first one he’s missed.”
Zepeda told the graduates that they had learned a lot in two weeks and that it took a special person to complete the course.
“When going to apply for a job, you can always come to us,” she said of the police department. “We’ll always have your back for you.”
She pointed out a few highlights the academy offered this summer. They included the landing of a police helicopter, a first for the program; a visit to the Essex County Correctional Facility; and a police/marine tour.
Two graduates were recognized for leadership. They were Ryan Mondo and Debbie Sperry. Zepeda said Sperry would be leaving for Army boot camp on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
“She chose to spend her last two weeks with us,” she said. “We know she will excel in whatever she does.”
The two most motivated graduates were recognized. They were Christopher Kelly and Kate Ortiz.
A merit award was given to Daniel Winter. Zepeda said this recognized someone going above and beyond what was required of them. “All the qualities to be a Bloomfield police officer — bravery, dedication and pride,” she said.
Following the ceremony, a light lunch was served.
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