Officers and educators joined with Manchester Township fifth grade students to celebrate their graduation from the L.E.A.D. program on Wednesday, May 31, 2017.
Led by Sgt. Charles Brooks, L.E.A.D. Officers John Decker, Michael Anderson, and Keith Craig play an instrumental role in not only educating students, but forming a strong partnership among the police, schools, parents, and children. By teaching students the good decision making skills they need to avoid high-risk behavior, L.E.A.D. training helps to ensure they grow up healthy, safe and secure. The skills that students learn through this program are important life lessons that will stay with them as they mature.
To celebrate their graduation, this year students were treated to a Pizza Party featuring DJ entertainment at Manchester Township Elementary School, where they also had the opportunity to meet Chief Lisa Parker and watch a Police K-9 demonstration from Officers Marc Micciulla and Steve Wendruff and their partners Storm and Lynk. We’re proud of all who successfully completed the program!
L.E.A.D. is just one aspect of a multi-faceted approach to student outreach taken by the Manchester Township Police Department. Officers regularly visit elementary students, bringing with them interactive learning stations meant to educate while also forming a familiarity with police. The Department also hosts a week-long Youth Academy each summer, and recently implemented the #NotEvenOnce opiate awareness program for high school seniors.