Community Corner

Melrose Police Wrap Up 2022 Jr. Police Academy

This year marked the retirement of Officer James Applegate, who helped found the Jr. Police Academy eight years ago.

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Young cadets try out a fire hose during a day of activities within the recent Melrose Jr. Police Academy. (Melrose Police Department)
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Young cadets in the Melrose Police Department's Jr. Police Academy participate in physical training exercises. (Melrose Police Department)
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Cadets in the first of three week-long sessions in this year's Melrose Jr. Police Academy pose for a group photo. (Melrose Police Department)
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Cadets in the second of three week-long sessions in this year's Melrose Jr. Police Academy pose for a group photo. (Melrose Police Department)
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Cadets in the third week-long sessions of this year's Melrose Jr. Police Academy pose for a group photo. (Melrose Police Department)

MELROSE, MA — The Melrose Police Department recently wrapped up its 8th annual Jr. Police Academy, hosting 130 local children between 4th and 8th grade.

The program spanned three separate week-long sessions, featuring Sgt. Nikolaus MacIntosh, Officer James Applegate, Officer Al Brown and Officer Robert Mann.

Participating cadets had chances to meet members of the Melrose Police Department and the Melrose Fire Department, which organized its own day of activities as part of this program.

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Jr. Police Academy instruction ranged from lessons on internet safety to the dangers of drug use. Participants also underwent a daily physical training routine and competitive games designed to promote teamwork, as noted in a program recap shared by the police department.

The program awarded its annual Charles “Chuck" Byrne Excellence Award to cadets, mentors or staff who went above and beyond normal expectations. Winners were as follows:

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  • Ashley Fox (Week 1)
  • Robby Dillon (Week 2)
  • Officer James Applegate (Week 3)

This year marked the retirement of Applegate, who is one of the founding members of the Jr. Police Academy. Outside of the academy, Applegate has spent a decade as the Melrose High School School Resource Officer.

“Officer Applegate’s years of dedication and commitment to the youth of Melrose has built the foundation for the future of Melrose’s community policing efforts,” the Melrose Police said in its recent statement.

The Melrose Jr. Police Academy is backed by a number of community sponsors. Those are listed as follows:

  • Officer Sean Collier Memorial Fund
  • Albanese Bro. INC
  • Colella Landscaping INC
  • Todays Collision
  • Tremont St Garage
  • Wakefield Co-operative Bank (Melrose)
  • Iron Tree Services
  • T’ahpas 529 Restaurant
  • KenMac INC
  • John Lynch Electric
  • Melrose Dental Care
  • Hugos Melrose Appliance
  • Robinsons Funeral Home
  • McGarveys Towing
  • Stephens Auto Body
  • Perella Jewelers
  • Bell and Izzi, LLC
  • LCM Plus
  • Cullen Mechanical Inc.
  • Petrone’s Pizza
  • Certified Automotive Solutions
  • The Residence at Melrose Station

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