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The Demopolis Police Department held a graduation ceremony for its Children’s Police Academy last Friday, June 24. Over 30 children took part in the week-long event and received certificates at graduation. The ceremony was held at the Civic Center.

The mission of the Children’s Police Academy is to give children a positive foundation to start their childhood that will make a lasting impression and give them guidance on how to respond and act to different situations.

After two years of not having the event due to COVID-19, the DPD brought the program back and received a large response from local children and parents. Throughout the week, participants took part in games that encouraged them to work together in their groups to find solutions.

Mayor Woody Collins gave the opening remarks and thanked the parents for allowing their children to take part in the academy. Collins also provided encouragement to the class to reach out to an officer if they are in trouble.

“I have one message for all of you and I don’t want you to forget it. The police are your friends. We see so many crazy things on TV, but this isn’t TV,” said Collins. “This is Demopolis and if any of you ever have a problem or something is wrong, find a police officer. They are here to help you.”

DCPA staff and guest instructors include Police Chief Rx Flowers, Sgt. Richard Bryant, Ofc. Walker Morgan, Ofc. Quanita Wilson, Ofc. Monica Oliver, Deitrich White, Vanessa Watson, Sha’Kita Thomas, Geraldine Grayson, and Mary McKinney.

The DPD gave a special thanks to its partners and sponsors River City Inflatables, West Alabama Transportation, Demopolis Public Library, Dominos Pizza, AirEVac, Plaza Golf Carts, and the Theo Ratliff Activity Center.