HOWELL – As Howell’s 13th Annual Law Enforcement Boot Camp participants readied to begin their day, a collective voice resounded through the morning line-up comprised of nearly 50 local middle school children.
The opening drill was a mere three minutes away, and the majority of participants were already in formation, outfitted in their required uniform of navy shirts, matching caps, and khaki shorts. A palpable sense of urgency filled the air as those lined up hurriedly rallied a few stragglers to join the ranks.
Law Enforcement Boot Camp cadets stand at attention for the morning drill. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Moments after everyone fell into line, Police officers Dan Bozza and Matt Zilinski arrived, setting the stage for the importance of proper discipline. With commanding voices, they initiated “equipment inspections” of the placement of gallon water jugs and small backpacks. The cadets stood at attention as their stance and salutes also came under scrutiny.
Though the overall scene might have seemed a touch intimidating, one thing became undeniably evident – many cadets return for multiple years of boot camp because of the incredible experience it offers them.
Headquartered at the Monmouth County Fire Academy, the seven-day camp is open to kids entering grades six through eight in September.
Graduation occurred at National Night Out after completion of a constantly moving program, which included several field trips, intense physical training, and written tests. The group had the opportunity to see how local officials collaborate with other law enforcement agencies.
The cadets toured the Point Pleasant Coast Guard Station and explored the Howell Police Department headquarters and ventured inside the Monmouth County Correctional Institution for an eye-opening experience.
Their trip to the shooting range included a course on safety, with equipment demonstrations performed by camp staff. Cadets also had the opportunity to see the drone police use when needed and learned about evidence gathering and crime scene investigations.
“On the last day, we did more of a fun day,” Officer Maureen McBride said. “We did a building skills activity, which included a ropes course. We all went to the movies, and they were dismissed from there.”
A few of the officers have enrolled their own family members to participate in the boot camp. McBride’s 13-year-old daughter, Julia Schenk is one of them and is in her last year of eligibility.
After she finishes 8th grade, Julia has the opportunity to become a member of the Howell Police Public Safety Cadet Program.
According to Julia, she and the other couple of cadets related to police officers don’t get any preferential treatment and while she doesn’t see work as a law enforcement officer in her future, she understands the value of the program.
“It’s taught me about discipline and finding my full potential. Since we have to call everyone here sir or ma’am, I also am doing it in other places, too. It sounds more respectful than just saying yes or no,” she said.
The boot camp has given Julia some appreciation for her mother’s job in her role as a school resource officer. She knows her mom works hard and understands a little bit more about how stressful the job can be.
Twelve-year-old Shane Sansil shared his excitement about attending his first boot camp and was delighted to participate. He expressed his enthusiasm in being part of an experience none of his family members have had before.
After the morning drill, students head inside the fire academy for roll call and further instruction during the 13th Annual Law Enforcement Boot Camp. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Shane looks forward to becoming the first in his family to venture into the world of law enforcement. “It’s very strict, but I knew it was going to be that way from day one,” “I watch a lot of shows about police and this has made me like things even more,” he said.
Shane said that teamwork is an integral part of the bootcamp. “If one person messes up, then we all messed up,” Shane explained. “We all failed together.”
He said he enjoyed the field trips and physical training despite it being hard and intense. Shane found the challenge invigorating.
Julia and Shane both said the physical training exercises led by Officers Ray Tillotson and Eric Otten were much more demanding than any ordinary gym class. They ran the gamut from squats, runs, sit-ups and burpees, and pushups.
Officers Jayme Higgins and Mike Migdon were actively engaged in the weeklong boot camp. They serve as school resource officers, and contributed toward enhancing the bonding experience between the agency and area students.
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