Citizen Police Academy graduates 13
Thirteen members of the local community recently graduated from Morganton Public Safety’s Citizen Police Academy. The 13-week program immersed each participant into the inner workings of Morganton Public Safety.
Take a look at the 2023 Citizen Police Academy highlight video!
The citizen academy enables community residents to become more familiar with the day-to-day operations of the agency; to better understand the procedures, responsibilities, guidelines, policies and laws that guide police decision-making; and to become better informed about the actual role of police and fire personnel.
The classes taught citizens more about criminal investigations, K9 officers, fire services, SWAT operations, crime prevention, DUI, pursuit driving, traffic law and enforcement, narcotics, gangs and even had the opportunity to accompany a public safety officer for a ride-along during their shift.
Morganton Public Safety Police Chief Jason Whisnant said, “We are thrilled to have the academy back for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The academy serves as a behind the scenes opportunity to see how we serve our community. Much preparation and time went into this program and I am grateful to all public safety employees who made it possible.”
MDPS Capt. Tim Corriveau said, “This academy was a huge success and we are excited about the future of the program. We would like to thank the class of 2023 for their time, dedication and interest in completing the academy. This is one of the many ways we help our community see first-hand who we are as a department and why we want to serve and protect.”
Before receiving their certifications of completion, several graduates gave their thoughts on the academy during the ceremony.
- Nina Harding – “Some of us had actually started the 2020 academy when COVID shut it down, so I was really excited to see that is was back and I would have the opportunity to attend. I think the average person has the impression that officers and firefighters take a course for a few months, finish and then ride around all day in a patrol vehicle or put out fires and go back to the station. This academy has shown just how much is done behind the scenes that no one considers or realizes.”
- Bernard “Buzz” Campbell – “Each class offered a new, fresh perspective on the complexities of the services provided. Every representative of Morganton Public Safety clearly believes in and lives by everything set forth in the mission, values and vision of the department. This program offered a level of transparency like no other and held many opportunities for open and honest conversations and was filled with potentially once-in-a-lifetime moments.”
- Chelsey Smith – “I enjoyed hearing each officer and firefighter’s personal experiences as to how they started in law enforcement or firefighting and how each person was very passionate about their job. You could tell by the pride in their voice how this was the job/career they were meant to be in. I am very grateful for the City of Morganton for allowing us as citizens to have a glimpse into their lives, they have definitely made an impact on me and now since finishing this academy I have a deeper appreciation for the men and women that protect our City. Thank you will never be enough for these brave men and women in uniform.”
For more information about the academy, visit https://www.morgantonnc.gov/public-safety/page/citizens-public-safety-academy
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