Published September 06. 2021 06:47AM
By LOU WHEELAND
Special to The Press
The South Whitehall Township Police Department sponsored its third annual Youth Law Enforcement Academy the week of June 21-25.
Forty area youths were introduced to the workings of their local police departments.
The sessions were held at South Whitehall’s Covered Bridge Park and included presentations by South Whitehall police, Pennsylvania State Police, Bethlehem Police Department’s Mounted Unit and the Lehigh County Municipal Emergency Response Team.
A state police helicopter was flown in to introduce the students to the value of the helicopter to the agency.
Both South Whitehall and Whitehall police gave demonstrations of their K-9 dogs.
Graduation was held in the newly renovated South Whitehall Township Community room.
This year’s Chief Awards went to Kaden Kumernitsky and Sophia Sanchez.
Chief Glen Dorney gave awards to Lt. Stephen Brown and Community Liaison Officer Jason Grozier for their planning, organization and implementation of the Youth Law Enforcement Academy.
South Whitehall K-9 Drax always get his “man,” in this case Police Officer Matt Carney, who is wearing a “bite suit.” Drax partners with South Whitehall Sgt. Kevin Smith. PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND
South Whitehall K-9 Officer Matt Carney rewards “Ranger” his K-9 partner with his favorite chew toy during a demonstration at the police department's Youth Law Enforcement Academy.
Bethlehem Police Department Mounted Unit Officer Albert Strydesky, atop “Grey,” describes the advantage of mounted police to youth at the South Whitehall Police Department's Youth Law Enforcement Academy. Grey is a Percheron/Thoroughbred mix, providing both size and stamina to a police horse.
Pennsylvania State Police Helicopter pilot, Sgt. Brian Kunes, explains how the helicopter helps the state police.
State Police Cpl. Nathan Branosky discusses the history of the Pennsylvania State Police and the training regimen at the academy.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND Showing off the latest in fashions for State Police Motorcycle officers are Kylee, Henry, Col. Brandon Labar, Aiden and Carly. Additional photos appear on page A8.
South Whitehall Youth Law Enforcement Academy attendee Carly displays what the well-dressed Municipal Emergency Response Team member wears. South Whitehall Sgt. Eric Kleintop was part of the MERT presence during the academy.
Kaden Kumernitsky, with his “Chief's Award” is joined by Police Chief Glen Dorney at the graduation for the South Whitehall Police Department Youth Law Enforcement Academy June 25.
Sophia Sanchez, recipient of the “Chief's Award” at the graduation for the South Whitehall Police Department's Youth Law Enforcement Academy, is congratulated by Chief Glen Dorney.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND Students, staff and South Whitehall officials attended the June 25 graduation ceremony for the South Whitehall Police Department Youth Law Enforcement Academy.
