Region – Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian congratulated over 150 graduates of the Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) from Acton, Belmont, Marlborough, Maynard and Watertown during a ceremony at Chelmsford High School on July 19. It was the second of six such graduations planned for this summer. Also in attendance at the graduation was Mayor Arthur Vigeant, City Councilor Kathleen Robey, Governor’s Councilor Marilyn Devaney,
Marlborough School Superintendent Michael Bergeron and members of the Marlborough Police Department
For six weeks each summer, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) offers youngsters ages 8-12 from Middlesex County communities the opportunity to participate in educational and confidence-building activities alongside members of the MSO as well as their local police and fire departments. YPSA staff incorporate multiple learning styles to teach personal safety and teamwork while building relationships between youth and public safety officials.
“This is the 20th year we have hosted YPSA, and every year we see the positive impact it has on youngsters across the county,” said Koutoujian. “Cadets at this camp learn lifelong skills in areas like fire safety and emergency preparedness, but just as importantly they foster bonds with their community officials in a way that keeps that educational curiosity alive far beyond one summer.”
Over 1000 cadets from more than three dozen communities participate in YPSA each year. To learn more about YPSA and some of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office other community-based programming, visit middlesexsheriff.org/community.
Photos/submitted
