Sheriff Koutoujian congratulates Waltham graduates of the 2013 Youth Public Safety Academy

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian proudly recognized the Cambridge, Newton, Waltham and Watertown graduates of the 2013 Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) on Friday, August 23, 2013.

The ceremony, which recognized approximately 200 children ages 9-11, was held at the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Training Academy in Billerica.  This completed the eighth and final week of the 14-year-old free Academy.

“The Academy is a great opportunity for children from across Middlesex County to learn important safety tips, get to know their local public safety officials and have an enjoyable time while doing it,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “It also provides us with a chance to introduce children, their parents and guardians to the hardworking men and women of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.”

During Friday’s graduation ceremony, Sheriff Koutoujian addressed the cadets about the importance of using what they learned during the week-long camp to help keep themselves and others safe.  He also talked to them about teamwork, self-esteem and role models, pointing to their parents, as well as the police officers, fire fighters and sheriff’s office personnel they met during the week.

Over the course of the week cadets learned about fire safety and how to stay safe while online, participated in team-building exercises and visited with local police and fire officials.  They also participated in a series of demonstrations.