Published July 26. 2023 10:24AM
The police departments of South Whitehall and Whitehall townships conducted a Youth Law Enforcement Academy program June 19-23.
The program is intended to help increase understanding of police work and different agencies that assist police. The aim is to build long-term positive relationships between law enforcement and students.
The participants met at South Whitehall’s Covered Bridge Park June 21. During the day, they were introduced to members of Pennsylvania State Police’s mounted unit, met a motor unit trooper and saw a state police helicopter. Also on the schedule was a demonstration by South Whitehall’s K-9 unit and a demonstration by the Lehigh County Municipal Emergency Response Team.
The weeklong camp featured information sessions and demonstrations of different law enforcement techniques and equipment, including a presentation from the Lehigh County Drone Team.
Participants were honored with a graduation ceremony June 23.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Ben King challenges Youth Law Enforcement Academy program members Brady O'Connor, of South Whitehall Township, Trey Wagner, of Whitehall Township, and Preston Lane, of South Whitehall, to push his 1,000-pound Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. The program was sponsored by South Whitehall and Whitehall police departments.
Whitehall Township Police Lieutenant Greg Bealer volunteers for the K-9 demonstration, featuring K-9 Kyra, of the South Whitehall Township Police Department.
Youth Law Enforcement Academy program participants gather for a group photo June 21 in front of a PSP helicopter at Covered Bridge Park. The program was held June 19-23.
