A group of aspiring young future first responders got a taste of the life during the Safeguard Palm Beach two-day Youth Academy.
The academy, which ran June 15-16, saw 22 children ranging from ages 8 to 12 learn about the daily responsibilities of police officers and firefighters through interactive demonstrations, realistic training exercises and behind-the-scenes tours.
“By engaging young people through hands-on experiences, we help build trust, confidence and understanding while inspiring the next generation of community leaders,” said Rebecca Godwin, president and COO of the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation, in a prepared statement.
The Palm Beach Police Department led the academy during the first day, which began with a welcome from Chief Nicholas Caristo before the participants explored the department’s marine and drone operation at the Town Docks. Participants also got to tour police headquarters, learn defensive tactics and take part in the department’s VirTra use-of-force simulator. The simulator provides a glimpse at the quick decision-making, judgment and communication skills officers rely on during precarious situations.
The next day, academy attendees joined Palm Beach’s Fire Rescue at the South End’s Fire Station No. 3 for a day’s worth of interactive experiences and training. Kids learned hose operations, saw firefighters go through Rapid Intervention Team demonstrations, rope rescue techniques and vehicle extractions. They also got fire engine rides and instructions on CPR and first aid. The day concluded with a water-based team-building activity that emphasized the importance of cooperation, preparation, and public service, while keeping cool.
The annual Youth Academy is organized by Safeguard Palm Beach, a division of the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation.
Diego Diaz Lasa is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at dlasa@pbdailynews.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Safeguard Palm Beach Youth Academy offers up-close look at emergency work
Reporting by Diego Diaz Lasa, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Diego Diaz Lasa, Palm Beach Daily News | USA TODAY Network
