Connecticut State Police and Fire Academy Prepare For Youth Week Graduations

On Monday July 10, 2011, the Connecticut State Police Academy training staff welcomed 30 new “recruits” to the State Police Training Academy in Meriden, and on Tuesday July 12, 2011 the Connecticut Fire Academy training staff welcomed 31 new “recruits” to the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks.

The Connecticut State Police Youth Week, in conjunction with the American Legion, is open to 16 and 17 year old high school students throughout the Country.  Youth week is modeled after State Police recruit training and provides students a unique opportunity to gain insight into the training, duties and expectations of Connecticut State Troopers.  This program is a mini State Police Academy and a National model for the American Legion.

During the week of training, all “recruits” will participate in a variety of mental and physical challenges including patrol techniques, use of laser speed measuring equipment, accident investigation, emergency vehicle driving, firearms training, and criminal investigation.  The “recruits” will also participate in daily physical conditioning, daily inspections, drill & ceremony, and 5:15 a.m. reveille.

The week concludes with the Warrior’s Path safety & survival course on Friday July 15, 2011 followed by a Graduation ceremony.  Warrior’s Path represents the culmination of all of the skills and knowledge the recruits learned during the week, it is designed to emphasize the importance of teamwork and overcoming adversity.

The Connecticut Fire Academy welcomed 14 and 15 year old “young firefighters” from across the State to experience fire service organization, chain of command, and mission and core values.  Several dynamic group exercises that emphasize teamwork are conducted over the course of the program.

During the week the “young firefighters” build on skills necessary to handle fire hoses, carry, place, and use ground ladders, search for trapped “victims”, and how to force entry into burning buildings.  The “young firefighters” spend up to 14 hours each day in class. The week concludes with an exciting graduation ceremony simulated apartment building fire.

All media agencies are invited to attend the Connecticut State Police Youth Week Warrior’s Path safety & survival course on July 15, 2011 at the Connecticut State Police Academy in Meriden, Ct.  The course will run from approximately 7:30 – 11:30 a.m., with a formal graduation at 7:00 p.m.   Also, the Connecticut Fire Academy “Young Firefighters” graduation ceremony simulated apartment building fire on Sunday July 17, 2011 at the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks, Ct. beginning at 11:00 a.m. along with a graduation ceremony.