This week I had the chance to sit in on the start of the fifth Demopolis Citizen’s Police Academy, thinking all the while I wanted to take the class myself.

Twelve students get a unique opportunity to delve more into the lives of policemen and women by going on ride-alongs, learning about cyber crimes and engaging in discussion with local officers. Chief Tommie Reese started the program here in 2010 and welcomed all the students on Thursday evening. He mentioned during his welcome the importance of the police department having a strong connection with the community, and I think this academy is a great way to continue that relationship.

After going through the police academy, students have the chance to join the alumni association to continue their service to the police department by fund-raising. Recently, the alumni aided the department by raising enough funds for a projector for the training room. As a part of the first course, Sgt. Monica Oliver gave a retrospective look at the Demopolis Police Department. Her presentation gave insight into the successes of the department through the years.

I think the one thing that resonated most with me over the course of the evening was when someone said to thank local officers for what they do, because each time they step foot out of their homes they place their lives on the line.

This class is the second class this year and next year I hope the Chief continues to grow the program so that more people can take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about our local officers and all they do for us each and every day.

Brittney is a staff writer for The Demopolis Times. She can be reached by email at brittney.knox@demopolistimes.com.