With smiles and salutes, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office celebrated the completion of its fourth session of the Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) this week. Over 100 cadets from communities across Middlesex County were welcomed for a week of safety education, team building activities, and leadership development.

Throughout the week, cadets, primarily from Bedford, Belmont, Billerica, Marlborough, and Watertown, flocked to the MSO’s Training Academy in Chelmsford to participate in a variety of activities designed to educate them about law enforcement, emergency preparedness, fire safety, and more. Cadets also got to see the MSO’s K9 Unit in action, participate in interactive team activities, and meet first responders from their very own communities.

“Our goal for the Youth Public Safety Academy is to help young people develop confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper knowledge of the public safety professionals who serve their communities,” said Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “The energy these kids bring to this program each year always blows me away. We’re proud to continue to offer this fun and educational opportunity each summer.”

Each week of YPSA ends with a graduation ceremony to recognize cadets for their efforts as they are cheered on by their loved ones, public safety leaders and elected officials from their communities. This week, graduates were joined by Sheriff Koutoujian, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, State Representative Ken Gordon, Bedford Police Chief John C. Fisher, Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost, Marlborough Police Chief David Giorgi and Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan, among others.

YPSA is comprised of five, one-week sessions and is open to individuals ages 8-12 living in any city or town in Middlesex County. Children ages 13-15 may also apply to participate as Counselors-In-Training, or CITs.

To learn more about the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office or the YPSA program, please visit www.middlesexsheriff.org.

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