Lakeland Citizens Police Academy Holds 2007 Graduation

After 14 weeks of presentations covering every aspect of police operations, 44 community members became distinguished graduates of the 2007 Lakeland Citizens Police Academy during ceremonies held Wednesday evening at the police station.

The 2007 Lakeland Citizens Police Academy Graduating Class

Chief of Police Roger Boatner presented certificates of completion to the graduates and thanked them for their commitment to complete the academy. He encouraged them to remain partners of the police department and find ways to help prevent crime in the community. All of the graduates are now eligible to become members of the Lakeland Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.

We heard quite a few comments from the graduates last night as they told us "I never knew all the police do for us every day" or "the presenters were so upbeat and excited about describing their jobs to us." Graduates now have a better understanding about the complexities of policing.

We thank all of the class members who took time from their busy lives to attend the academy every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 9:30 since mid-August and a special Saturday session at the LPD shooting range a few weeks ago. Your dedication and willingness to participate in this program are both admirable and appreciated.

Special thanks to the CPA Alumni Association for hosting the fellowship dinner that followed the graduation ceremony. Alumni members volunteer around the police department in a variety of ways which helps us provide service to the community.

The next Citizens Academy will start in August 2008. Class announcements and registration forms will be posted early next year.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Comments

[Asst Chief Bill LePere]

Thank you Kathy for your kind words. Believe me when I say your "thank you" means so much to our members and is more than enough to show your appreciation.

[Kathy]

I was one of the graduates and wanted to send a very heartfelt thank you for the opportunity to attend this class and learn the many ways our Police help us everyday. It was an honor to be allowed to enter their world for a time. To take time our of their lives to come share with us what they do everyday and night, a thank you just doesn't seem enough.