Published July 21. 2022 12:37PM
By LOU WHEELAND
Special to The Press
South Whitehall Township police took part in the fourth annual Youth Law Enforcement Academy the week of June 20-24.
South Whitehall and Whitehall police youth programs met June 22 at Covered Bridge Park for a day of special events.
These included the Pennsylvania State Police helicopter, Tactical Mounted Services and motorcycle unit.
Additionally, both South Whitehall and Whitehall police brought their K-9 officers for a demonstration of drug detection and apprehension.
The Lehigh County MERT (Municipal Emergency Response Team) introduced the youth to their equipment including the weapons they use, vehicles and personal protective gear.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND Instructors and youth gather in front of a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter at the South Whitehall Township Police Department's fourth annual Youth Law Enforcement Academy June 22 at Covered Bridge Park.
ABOVE: South Whitehall police officers Nicholas Lessig, Kory Lapata and Sgt. Jason Grozier, and State Police helicopter pilot Sgt. Brian Kunes, South Whitehall Police Chief Glen Dorney, Officers Darvin Faust, Kevin Azar and Tom Bammer were instrumental in teaching Youth Law Enforcement Academy students.
LEFT: Pa. State Police Tactical Service horses were a favorite of students at the South Whitehall Police Department's Youth Law Enforcement Academy, June 22. “Charlie,” an 8-year-old Percheron was ridden by Cpl. Brad Zook, and Hershey “Huck,” a 10-year-old Percheron, was ridden by Trooper TJ Stevenson, Belfast Barracks.
Cpl. Brad Zook demonstrates how horses are used to help control crowds. Here he has “Charlie” trotting.
South Whitehall Police Sgt. Kevin Smith and “Drax,” a Belgian Malinois K-9 demonstrates Drax's ability to locate “drugs” that have been encased in plastic and other coverings in a licked car. By sitting, “Drax” indicates the area containing the drugs.
Whitehall Police Department Detective Lindsay Yetter volunteered to be a noncompliant individual who was then brought under control by “Drax.” She suffered no lasting injuries as the bite suit protects trainers when working with K-9s.
State Police Trooper Ben Chambers describes how the State Police use motorcycles and the features of their Harley Davidson police motorcycles.
Members of the Lehigh County MERT crew demonstrate their personal protective equipment, weapons and vehicles to youngsters at the Youth Law Enforcement Academy, June 22 at Covered Bridge Park.
South Whitehall Police Sgt. Eric Dotter guides children as they enter the MERT armored vehicle during the Youth Law Enforcement Academy, June 22.
