Watertown Police
The graduates of the recently completed Watertown Citizen’s Police Academy.
Fellow Watertown Residents …
We are a group of Watertown residents who have just completed the Citizen’s Policy Academy, offered by the Watertown Police Department. We want to express our thanks for this opportunity to experience the Watertown Police Department from the inside – through class presentations by Department staff, touring the Station and even riding with Patrol Officers on active duty.
During this eight-session course we were able to meet and engage with Officers, Detectives, and Command Staff from all four divisions (Patrol, Traffic, Detective, Community & Staff Development). We learned about the capabilities and operations of the Department, and have gained a new awareness and understanding of the dedication, duties, and skills of the men and women who serve our community.
One particular highlight was the demonstration of the firearms training simulation. Everyone who participated gained a new appreciation for the potentially deadly situations in which police officers could find themselves involved. It was an experience we won’t soon forget. (Note: the Department’s new website offers similar insights: http://watertownpd.org).
As graduates of this year’s Citizen Police Academy, we are grateful to Chief Lawn, Captain Dupuis and other Department staff for organizing, facilitating, and participating in the classes. We commend the Department for giving us the opportunity to learn and experience the Police Department on a personalized, first-hand basis. We enthusiastically recommend this experience to other Watertown
residents in the future, as it was a great opportunity for Watertown to connect with one another.
Signed by participants in the 2017 Watertown Citizen Police Academy …
Aravinda Ananda Kelly Conlin Nancy Pepper
Margie Apfelbaum Chuck Dickinson Joseph Rotello
Traci Banafato Jason Gerdom Barbara Ruskin
Linda Tuttle-Barletta Matthew Horn Stacia Russell
Heather Busk Rachel Jacobs
Andy Compagna Esther Keaney
Many of us were most impressed and pleased at Chief Lawn’s description of our Watertown Police force as Guardians, not Warriors. It was a valuable course, broadening the perspectives of citizens and hopefully the mutual understanding of police and the community. Thanks to Sgt Dupuis and the other officers who participated. Barbara Ruskin
I agree. The officers we met very consistently emphasized their desire to serve the citizens of Watertown. Their professionalism and training puts them in the best position possible to keep our town safe and keep it a great place to live. Thank you to everyone who participated!
*Stacia Russell, not Stacey
Thanks Stacia, I will change that in the letter.
Thank you! 🙂