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To the editor:
I am the proud recipient of a certificate for completing the first Citizens Police Academy, instituted by Chief Russell Stevens and the men of the Hamilton Police Department.
It was open to all Hamilton citizens 18 and older (I believe I was the oldest one there), so age is no deterrent. It ran for 10 weeks.
I found it to be the most informative and interesting series I have ever attended.
The men were most courteous and excelled in their teaching and explanation of the many problems they meet in their daily routine. They freely gave of their time on their days off or even in-between shifts.
The sessions also included the Hamilton Fire Department, the ECO and the state police with a police dog. We also got the chance for a two-hour "ride along" in the police cruiser so that we could actually see an officer at work.
I hope this will continue to be offered to all Hamilton citizens every year, and I urge all to attend.
Being born and brought up in Hamilton, I thought I knew all there was to know about the workings of the Police Department, but soon found out I had a lot to learn.
My thanks to Officer Steve Walsh for taking this challenge and putting together a great program.
Also, many thanks to the officers who gave of their time; it gave us a chance to meet them and learn about their education and their families.
Job well done by the Hamilton Police Department.
Theresa M. "Mimi" Fanning
South Hamilton
