Arlington Kids Graduate From Sheriff's Academy

Editor's note: The following information comes from a press release from the Middlesex Sheriff's Office.

More than 170 kids from around Middlesex County—including Arlington—graduated from the sheriff's Youth Public Safety Academy Friday.

The cadets, ages 9 to 11, were given diplomas in recognition of their hard work and dedication to public safety in a ceremony Friday at the Middlesex Training Academy in Billerica.

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office recognized the Arlington, Belmont, Medford and Somerville graduates of the 2011 Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Youth Public Safety Academy.

Each summer the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office sponsors the free week-long summer academy concluding with the graduation.

The Academy exposes children to role models in public safety, namely their local police, fire, emergency medical services and sheriff's office personnel.

Cadets learn basic first aid skills, fire safety, tour their local police and fire stations, participate in numerous demonstrations and are taught the importance of self-esteem and teamwork. Every week the program is tailored to the specific Middlesex community that is participating.

Last week's program focused on Arlington, Belmont,
Medford and Somerville.

Local elected and public safety officials at the event were:

• Chief Robert Jefferson
• William Hayner from the
• State Representative Paul Donato
• Medford fire Chief Frank Giliberti
• Medford Police Sergeant Joseph Casey
• Medford City Councilor Paul Camuso
• Belmont Fire Chief David Frizzell
• Belmont Police Chief Richard McLaughlin