October 2nd, 2021 – Written By Jennifer Schonbrunn Hinkle
Fairfield isn’t lacking in activities for its youth population, and yet many are not aware of The Police Cadet Program. Formerly known as the Police Explorers, this unique organization teaches students ages 13–21 about law enforcement, civic responsibility, and a wide range of life skills.
The Fairfield Cadets—currently a group of 20—meet every Monday and learn about a new topic each week. Constitutional law, ethics, self-defense, and traffic stops are among the many areas covered. Each summer, there’s a weeklong “Academy” that is the highlight of the year. Hands-on learning ranges from basic marching format to how to use a firearm safely. Every successive year addresses new topics and challenges. The cadets consider their final two years in the Academy Camp to be the most grueling and yet most exciting. In addition to long hours of physical activity, the Cadets run a mock police department. Everyone is assigned a different position and mimics everyday law enforcement scenarios. Some may handle calls, others will work on administrative tasks. In their second year in the mock police department, cadets can apply for a rank, such as Sargeant, Lieutenant, or Captain. This allows them to experience real-life situations and sharpen their leadership skills.
“The program attracts self-motivated kids,” adds Officer Racz. “It’s not something in which parents can just enroll their child.” It’s a youth-based organization that offers little parent involvement. “We encourage the students to take ownership of projects and events and depend on one another for information and support.”
The Police Cadets participate in all types of community service. They are regularly seen helping at Fairfield’s Memorial Day Parade and Independence Day Fireworks. Another aspect of their training is through “Ride Alongs” with actual patrol officers. Through these opportunities, cadets learn to use proper radio operating procedures, write police logs and reports and interface with the community. Competitions, including Stations Day and S.W.A.T. Challenge, allow different Cadet/Explorer programs throughout the tri-state area to test their skills.
Starting at age 16, cadets can even join an officer on a ride-along. For Cadet Captain Erick Alverez-Whalen, a Senior at Fairfield Warde High School, his first experience was a memorable one. “Officer Racz and I were sent on a medical call to help a child having a panic attack. This meant we used the full ‘lights and sirens.’ When we arrived on the scene, Officer Racz asked me to get the medical supplies bag while she tended to the child and his parents. I was so proud that Officer Racz treated me as a peer, not as a kid-trainee. It was a night I won’t forget.”
Simply put, there is no other way to gain the experience the Police Cadets offer.
To join or learn more, visit fairfieldcadets.com. To support the program, please visit “Shred Day” at the Fairfield Police Station on October 9.
The Police Cadets Program is a 501(c)(3) and counts on this fundraiser to support themselves.
Have you Heard about the fairfield police cadets — In A Fairfield Minute