During the week of June 27th, the Newton Police and Fire Department hosted the first joint Summer Public Safety Youth Academy for students entering 5th-8th grade to learn about Police and Firefighters/Paramedics careers. Ten local youth participated in the program.
Monday started with a tour of the Police Department, a presentation on police officer requirements and evidence collection. The students were given a tour of our evidence room and then they were able to dust for fingerprints. On day two, firefighters showed them how they search a building during a fire, how to lift a patient on a backboard with ropes, saw how a fire truck works and were able to spray water with a firehose. On day three, students learned about EMS and were shown the inside of an ambulance and the tools and techniques paramedics use to treat patients. During the last session of the week, students learned about the Taser and saw a demonstration. They also participated in handcuffing, wore a tactical vest, sat inside of the tactical rescue vehicle and handled the tools to open doors on houses.
Overall, the youth academy is fun for the kids and the officers who get to participate.
