Freehold Borough Youth Police Academy Graduates 27

Teens in the 2011 Freehold Borough Youth Police Academy contended with record heat, intense drill instructors and miles of running. By the end of the two-week camp, the 27 recruits were rewarded for the efforts with praise by their instructors and the admiration of their family and friends. The students of the fourth Youth Police Academy graduated Friday, July 29 at the in front of a crowd of approximately 200 people.

“The one thing you take away from this is the importance of public service,” Monmouth County Prosecutor Peter Warshaw told the recruits during the ceremony.  “The real importance of serving the public is about trying to make your corner of the world a better place.”

Students participated in physical training, attended lectures given by officials in various law enforcement divisions, and took part in simulated police drills. During the two weeks, which coincided with the July heat wave, the recruits went through over 1,500 bottles of water donated by the Freehold Borough PBA. Stefano’s Pizzeria and Sorrecto’s Subs provided food during the camp, and Bailey’s Janitorial Service and Vic Gerard Golf Carts also lent support to the program.

The Freehold Borough Police Department first approached the Borough Council about developing a Youth Police Academy five years ago, and the governing body eagerly gave its blessing, according to Councilman Kevin Kane.

Recruits of the fourth graduating class were: Elijah Barnes, Tristan Bottone, Edward Campos Jr., Miles Cordero, Michael Crawford, Giovanni DeMuth, Peter Fenske, Connor Ganz, Michael Giacona, Abraham Gonzalez, RJ Gorski, Ali Korkut, Joseph Krauss, Vladimir Kuvshinov, Joseph Leoone, Darren Maine, Tanner Maine, Lissette Pattaway, Benjamin Petrula, Michael Petrula, Kyle Perez, Matthew Perez, Nicole Ray, T.J. Ray, Irvin Rivera, Andrew Shockley and James Tomasello.

In addition to graduation certificates, Leone received a physical training award and Gorski received a leadership award.

The ceremony concluded with a video of the week’s activities edited by Sgt. Andrew DeMuth.