Jackson police honor Citizen’s Police Academy graduates

JACKSON, Tenn. — Jackson police recognized members of the Citizen’s Police Academy on Wednesday in a special ceremony at the department.

Lenore Ventimiglia was one of several volunteers recognized. “We’re serious about what we do, but we have fun doing it,” she said.

The department said the group volunteers at community events like National Night Out, the rodeo at Oman Arena and the Jackson Symphony.

“They’re a really good ambassador for the police department because they can go out and do things that you may not be able to get to,” said Lt. Byron Taylor with the Jackson Police Department.

Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association President Darnell Pirtle said he always wanted to be a police officer. “Any way to help the community,” he said. “So that’s what I wanted to do.”

The police department said in order to volunteer, people must participate in the Citizen’s Police Academy. It is an eight-week program that meets once a week for several hours. “It sort of gives people a really good understanding of what we do at the police department,” Taylor said.

Police said the alumni group does a lot of work behind the scenes. “Anytime anybody in the community has an event and they need volunteers, give us a call,” Ventimiglia said.

The next Citizen’s Police Academy starts March 8.

For more information and a link to the application, visit the police department’s website.