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This week marked the fourth week of Sheriff James V. DiPaola’s Youth Public Safety Academy. Over 190 children from Chelmsford, Lowell, Tewksbury, and Wilmington attended the Academy and had a fantastic time.

Thi The cadets engaged in various activities designed to teach them an assortment of safety skills. Fire safety was one of the major components taught to all cadets. In case of a fire they are taught how to make a fire escape plan with their families and how to get out of their houses if it is filled with smoke. In the bike safety course the cadets learned the importance of wearing a helmet and obeying street signs when riding a bike. Relatively new to the program is the internet safety course. Among other things, this course stresses the importance of maintaining privacy on the internet and never speaking to or agreeing to meet with people online.

T Throughout the week the children also engaged in an assortment of recreational activities from street hockey, Cal Ripken Quickball, and basketball. These activities kept the cadets active and also encouraged teamwork. Another activity that is devoted to teamwork is the team building obstacle course that the cadets participate in at the Billerica Boys and Girls Club. The course consists of several activities that require the cadets to work together in order to complete the task at hand. The obstacle course is an integral part in building team spirit and a feeling of togetherness.

On Wednesday the cadets traveled to their local police and fire stations. They were given a tour of the stations and they meet fire and police officers. This was one of the highlights of the week for the cadets as they were excited about meeting the officers from their communities and touring the resources that make our public safety team so strong.

The week concludes with a graduation ceremony where the cadets are presented with certificates. This week we were honored by the attendance of several elected officials and officers from the towns of Chelmsford, Lowell, Tewksbury, and Wilmington.

From the Chelmsford Police Department Chief Jim Murphy and Officer Jennifer Bellisimo attended. From the Chelmsford Fire Department Firefighter Robert Gardner attended.

From the Lowell Police Department Officer Mike Prescott attended. From the Lowell Fire Department Lt. Larry Ledoux was present. Also from Lowell, City Councilor Rita Mercier attended.

From the Tewksbury Police Department Officer Keren Reese and Officer Jessica Mulvey were in attendance. Also from Tewksbury, Superintendent of Schools Christine McGrath attended.

From the Wilmington Police Department Officer Chip Bruce and Officer Brian Hermann were present. From the Wilmington Fire Department Lt. Rick McClellan attended. Representative James Miceli and a staff member from Representative Charlie Murphy's office attended as well. Peggy Kane, Chairman of the Wilmington School Committee and Joanne Benton, Superintendent of Schools were also present.