Summit Police Department Graduates Youth Cadets

The Summit Police Department graduated its latest class of new, young recruits on Friday night, with the emphasis on young.

Seventeen youngsters from Summit and surrounding areas completed weeklong of training in the Summit Police Youth Academy and were honored in a graduation ceremony at Town Hall on Friday night.

“I had a lot of fun,” said 14-year-old Evan Tranquilli, who graduated with distinction for best skills. “It wasn’t really that difficult. I will definitely do this next year.” 

Tranquilli, who said that wanted to be a Navy SEAL (Sea, Air and Land Team) on day, chose the program because “it would  be a great experience. I want to do a lot of military stuff in the future.”

The goal of the program is to teach middle school students about becoming a police officer and what it’s like to be an officer in Summit.

Summit Patrolman Gerald McDermott, an officer who teaches the program, said that the junior cadets were put through a structured week that included morning exercises, including push-ups, obstacle course driving, shooting practice through video simulation, police services, such as K9 and defense tactics instruction. 

“It was a lot of fun,” said 14-year-old Angelica Colino. “The physical aspect is really tough and challenging.”

Colino said that she signed up for the program because she thought it would be good learning. A side benefit was getting to know the officers on a personal level. “They are very nice,” Colino said. “They just want the best for people really.”

Patrolman McDermott said that the community relationship building aspect is a key part of the program.

“What I have noticed is how valuable the familiarity is with the kids and the families,” McDermott said. “When you think about how many kids were in this room today (about 30) - those are all families that I get to meet. It typically happens throughout the course of the year that I will end up at one of these family’s houses. This program has made a lot of interaction comfortable so that families feel more comfortable approaching us.”

Attending the graduation ceremony were Mayor Jordan Glatt and Common Council members Michael Vernotico and Ellen Dickson. 

“I have one piece of advice for you,” Vernotico said to the cadets. “In your life you are going to constantly face decisions. Bad decisions are often very tempting. I got a tell you, a bad decision is always the wrong decision. You demonstrate tonight that you know how to make the right decision.”