River Dell Junior Police Academy Accepting Applications

Chief Tom Cariddi of the River Edge Police Department announced that the River Edge and Oradell police departments are combining forces and resources to offer its first-ever Junior Police Academy this summer.

This just may be the perfect way to get those hard to please tweens and teens unplugged and outside keeping them occupied for a few days this summer. The junior cadets will partake in physical fitness daily, learn about the police department, participate in demonstrations, go on field trips and more.

"The goal of our Junior Police Academy is to create an environment where students learn respect, discipline, team work, motivation and dedication," Cariddi said. "We want to instill them with confidence and build self-esteem while giving them a better understanding of law enforcement."

In addition to physical fitness activities, the academy is centered around building a positive relationship between the Police Departments and the youth of the community. The program is run by officers Rich Liguori and Marc Abate.

The Junior Police Academy will be held at River Dell Middle School and is open to all Oradell & River Edge 7th and 8th Grade River Dell Students. The academy will run the week of July 8, 2013. Graduation will be held on Friday, July 12 at noon.

There will be an orientation for parents and students on June 20 at 7 p.m. in the River Dell Middle School Auditorium.

Applications are available at the Oradell & River Edge Police Departments and at River Dell Middle School.

For additional information please contact Officer Rich Liguori 201-261-0200 ext-155 & Officer Marc Abate 201-262-1233.

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