Medford Police graduate cadets from first Junior Police Academy

Twenty-eight students got a taste of life in blue this summer when they took part in Medford’s first Junior Police Academy. Amid fist-bumping and cheering, the newly minted cadets graduated during a ceremony in the Caron Theater at the high school, Friday, July 18.

With family members and friends watching, the cadets filed in, stood at attention, and then took their seats.

“I know that Chief [Jack] Buckley is so proud of you today,” Lt. Charlie Hartnett told the soon-to-be sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders.

The ceremony capped a week of training and activities that included learning about police K-9s, how to dust objects for fingerprints, and how to use social media safely. The students also learned CPR and first aid, saw a SWAT demonstration, and participated in physical fitness exercises.

Hartnett said the students came in as individuals and left as a rock-solid team.

“You have made us proud to be police officers and proud to serve you,” he told the students. “You have set the standard for what it means to be a cadet.”

Hartnett stressed during his remarks that students learned not only what it means to be a police officer, but also what it means to be a good citizen. He told the students the lessons they learned at the academy will help them throughout their lives, wherever they go and whatever they do.

Acting Police Chief Paul Covino thanked parents for allowing their children to participate in the academy.

“I guarantee you there are some police officers here,” the chief said of the cadets, “and I thank you for allowing that.”

The students were organized into three platoons, and an officer worked with each platoon. Here are the names of the cadets, by platoon:

Platoon 1, with Officer Jessica Walsh

·       Rocco Arsenault

·       Lily Dutkiewicz

·       James Mackin

·       Jack McCormack

·       Nyla Mitchell

·       Millie Pease

·       Domenic Pietrolungo

·       Camila Prendergast-Rosas

·       Hannah Umlah

Platoon 2, with Officer Rob Passacantilli

·       Aum Chamaria

·       Davi Da Silva

·       Cullen DiMare

·       Escobar Molano

·       Cartherine Millien-Thermile

·       Jacob LeClair

·       Aubrey Hurley

·       Tyler Rossi-Hawkins

·       Heitor Silva

Platoon 3, with Officer Julia Pothier

·       Lincoln Calo

·       Benjamin Cordero

·       Emma Dalelio

·       Vitoria Da Silva

·       Giavanna Davis

·       Cody Fleming

·       Adam Kaloune

·       Maria LaVecchia

·       Gianni Montalbano

·       Dante Paparo