CHELMSFORD — Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian congratulated graduates of the Youth Public Safety Academy’s (YPSA) second session of 2023 during a ceremony at Chelmsford High School on July 21.
The cadets were primarily from Acton, Framingham, Hudson, Marlborough, Maynard and Natick.
Now in its 22nd year, the academy is focused on providing cadets with educational lessons around personal and family safety and other health and wellness topics. Cadets ages eight to 12 have the opportunity to meet and learn from local first responders, members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and counselors, while also participating in team-building exercises and fun games.
“YPSA is always one of my favorite times of the year,” said Koutoujian. “Throughout the years, YPSA has provided valuable opportunities for some of our youngest residents to get to know the correction officers, police officers, firefighters and other professionals who serve their communities on a daily basis. It also teaches cadets crucial lessons about team-building, friendship, and public safety that they can share in their homes, schools and communities.”
In addition to Koutoujian, the graduation was also attended by several public safety and government leaders, including Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan; Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant and Police Chief David Giorgi; Natick Police Chief James Hicks; Framingham Police Chief Lester Baker; Interim Acton Police Chief James Cogan; and District 3 Governor’s Councilor Marilyn M. Petitto Devaney.
To learn more about the youth academy and some of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office community-based programming, visit www.middlesexsheriff.org/community.
