12 Student Officers Graduated Friday
Acting Chief George Nichols would like to congratulate the Dighton Police Department’s student officers upon their graduation from the Dighton Youth Police Academy this past Friday.
During a ceremony hosted at Bristol County Agricultural High School on Friday morning, July 21, 12 student officers graduated from the Dighton Youth Police Academy Class 003.
The ceremony began with a formal march of the student officers before opening remarks were given by School Resource Officer Stephen Hathaway. In his remarks, SRO Hathaway thanked all those that had supported the youth academy and its student officers, and specially Patrolman Steven Ferreira for implementing the program in Dighton and Det. Ryan Richards and Acting Chief Nichols who have been instrumental in the program continuing.
Following SRO Hathaway’s speech, School Resource Officer Alyssa Bennett then spoke, followed by Acting Chief Nichols. Class President Jaxon Legzdins, the youngest class president yet, gave the closing speech before diplomas were handed out.
Graduation diplomas were awarded to: Legzdins, Hunter Mello, Hannah Carvalho, Wade Reynolds, Catherine Carvalho, Lauren Medeiros (Squad 3 leader), Chase Vaught, Trent Mello, William Carvalho (Squad 1 leader), Zachary DaSilva, Jamari Montiero (Squad 2 leader) and Vincent Medeiros.
“On behalf of the men and women of the Dighton Police Department, I would like to congratulate our 12 student officers on their successful completion of the Youth Police Academy,” Acting Chief Nichols said. “Throughout the academy, these student officers have shown dedication and an eagerness to learn about the different aspects of policing. This academy is especially important as we try to foster younger generations’ interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement. I would like to thank all DPD members for making this academy possible.”
During the academy, students had the opportunity to learn more about criminal law, participate in the academy’s physical fitness tests and hands-on physical training, in addition to engaging in daily police activities with a focus on community engagement.
This year’s police academy began with a welcome from Acting Chief Nichols, School Resource Officers Alyssa Bennett and Stephen Hathaway, and all members of the department. After introductions, students participated in their first drill, toured the station and cruisers, and participated in physical training.
On day two, student officers dove right into the academy with a presentation from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Criminal Investigation about crime scene investigations. During the presentation, students got hands-on experience with preserving fingerprints and investigating cases.
On the third day, students took a field trip to the Taunton District Court for a tour led by Chief Court Officer Dorianna Medeiros to learn more about juvenile court, probation, civil court, and more. Following the tour, students were certified in CPR and first aid by the Dighton Fire Department.
On the fifth and sixth days of the academy, students learned about Massachusetts motor vehicle laws and practiced making arrests. They also participated in Defensive Tactics training and witnessed a Taser demonstration.
Massachusetts State Police displayed their drone unit and demonstrated its capabilities on the seventh day. At the end of the drone demonstration, students went head-to-head with Dighton Police officers during a basketball game.
On the final full day of the academy, students began by visiting Dighton’s Harbormasters to learn about boat safety, boating laws and how to throw lines. After a busy morning, students met with the Massachusetts State Police Mounted Unit before welcoming the Fairhaven and Rehoboth Police Departments’ K-9 teams for some demonstrations.
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