On July 16, 2019, the North East Regional Law Enforcement Education Association’s Annual Cadet Police Academy was held at Westfield State University in Massachusetts. The event was aimed at exposing 13 to 20-year-old cadets to the different groups that contribute to law enforcement. Among the groups represented were the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing Retention and Recruiting Office, the 104th Civil Engineering Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and the 104th Security Forces Squadron.
Technical Sergeant Glenda Schuster, the 104th Fighter Wing Retention and Recruiting Office Supervisor, Staff Sgt. Marie Georgefils, and Senior Airman Imalay Vargas-Ortiz, 104 FW Recruiting Administrative Assistants, attended the event on behalf of the Air National Guard. They presented the cadets with valuable information about the opportunities that the Massachusetts Air National Guard can provide for them. The cadets spent time speaking to officers from local police departments, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen, security forces Airmen, and recruiters to get a better understanding of the variety of law enforcement careers.
Senior Master Sergeant Jeremiah McClosky, the 104th Civil Engineering Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Superintendent, and Staff Sgt. Eric Franco, the 104th CES EOD technician, spoke to cadets about EOD at the event. They shared information about the EOD career field and opportunities in the Air National Guard. The cadets were able to observe a training grenade brought by the 104th Civil Engineering Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen, which added a hands-on aspect to their learning.
The 104th Security Forces Squadron was also present at the event. Technical Sergeant Christopher Krutka, a 104th Security Forces Squadron defender, spoke to a cadet about law enforcement in the Air National Guard. The cadets had the opportunity to fill out a form requesting information about the Air National Guard after speaking to 104th Fighter Wing recruiters.
The North East Regional Law Enforcement Education Association’s Annual Cadet Police Academy provided a great opportunity for young individuals to learn about the different groups that contribute to law enforcement. The participation of the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing Retention and Recruiting Office, the 104th Civil Engineering Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and the 104th Security Forces Squadron provided cadets with a better understanding of the opportunities that the Air National Guard can provide for them in their future law enforcement careers. This event was an excellent example of how various groups can come together to educate and inspire the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
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