The after-school police academy at Tyrone Area High School, which started in January, ended Thursday with a graduation ceremony held in the cafeteria. Officer Mark Frailey hosted Hollidaysburg policemen David McGarvey and David White, students from Tyrone and Juniata Valley, and parents and family members for the event.
According to Trooper McGarvey, the student police academy originated from a citizens’ police academy that was taught at the police barracks. The program was so popular the police department decided to expand it into the classroom.
“About five years ago, our department wanted as a public relations tool to start the student citizens’ police academy in which we would expose people that were interested to come to classes at state police barracks and basically learn more about our department,” said McGarvey.
The student police academy is in its second year in the schools. The first time the officers held the program was in Centre County, and this year they chose Tyrone for the host school.
“We brought in different speakers from our different professions from within our department that hold different specialized positions and explained what they do,” said McGarvey.
The police academy met after school every other Wednesday. The six-week course focused on many of the popular and publicized aspects of police work today, including forensics and drug and arson canines. Other parts of the course talked about the history of the police department, the police academy, criminal investigation, driving under the influence and liquor control enforcement.
Frailey said the program was a complete success and working with the Hollidaysburg police department adds another dimension to the school’s ability to provide education to the students.
“These guys came out and spent a lot of time and a lot of resources being here,” said Frailey. “The two troopers who spent most of the time organizing is Trooper McGarvey and Trooper White.”
The graduation ceremony was filled with activity as both students and parents were treated with videos explaining the academy and different aspects of police programs. Every student was presented with a certificate of achievement from McGarvey and Frailey for completing the course. The students showed their appreciation by presenting McGarvey with a special certificate for all of the hard work and time he dedicated to the program. After the ceremony, a cake prepared by food service teacher Paula Binus was enjoyed by everyone.
