The Washington Township Police Department recently graduated 13 citizens from the second annual Washington Township Police Department Citizens Academy.
During the last five weeks, citizens had the opportunity to learn how the Washington Township Police Department and Logan County judicial system operates.
Attendees heard from Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Kevin Braig, Logan County Prosecutor Eric Stewart, Adult Parole Authority Probation Officers Angela and Eric Mattox, along with officers from the police department.
Attendees toured the Logan County Jail, Logan County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center and Indian Joint Fire District.
Each citizen became CPR and AED certified, completed death investigations and will participate in a ride along with the police department, among other topics.
“My objective for the citizens academy is for the public to have a better understanding of what we do at the Washington Township Police Department and why we do it,” Police Chief Michael Thompson said. “The citizens academy gives attendees the opportunity to ask questions they normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to ask and the speakers were very open and communicated well their position on their role in the criminal justice system.”
Chief Thompson said each year, his personal goal is for the citizens academy is to educate the attendees on career opportunities in law enforcement in Logan County.
“One attendee from last year’s class is currently employed as a dispatcher for the Logan County Sheriff’s Office and one attendee currently has interest in a position with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.
“With numbers in law enforcement on a gradual decline, I feel it is important to boost and promote our incredible area law enforcement agencies and help fill empty positions with quality candidates.
“I encourage everyone to attend a citizen’s academy; whether it be ours, the Bellefontaine Police Department’s or the Logan County Sheriff’s Office’s.”
Thirteen area residents recently completed the five-week Washington Township Police Department’s Citizens Academy. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)