THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) - While many kids are currently enjoying summer camps that feature activities like swimming, tennis, or arts and crafts, a few are learning to be heroes.
The goal of Thomasville's annual Junior Law Enforcement Academy is to show the next generation how to serve their community, and possibly inspire them to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Lyndon Jackson says he's been looking forward to this week all year. "I've always said I want to be a police officer since I was little so this is my time to experience what a police officer does and I like it."
10 to 15 year olds in Thomasville are participating in TPD'S annual Junior Law Enforcement Academy.
"We think they should know what kind of training we have to go through and after we graduate from that training that need to know the things we have to go through and the things we have to go through on a daily basis," said Lt. Eric Hampton.
From patrol, to working in a crime lab, and even bomb squad demonstrations, these kids are getting a taste of it all.
"The more we learn the better we'll know if want to be police officers in the future," said Cadet William Lewis.
Police say they hope this experience will encourage at least a few of these young men and women to choose a career in law enforcement.
"Well I kind of want to follow in my aunt's footsteps and become a Thomasville Police woman," said Cadet Alexis Geriane.
And if nothing else, police say they hope these kids will learn to respect the men and women who risk their lives every day.
"I like that people get out there and risk their lives just for us and keep the world safe," said Geriane.
The academy will culminate with a graduation ceremony for all the cadets who complete the program.
The academy continues Tuesday with demonstrations from the GBI, Georgia State Patrol, and Thomas County Sheriff's Office.
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