By Vince Martinez, Mayor of Pennsauken

Last month, Pennsauken’s first responders held both a Junior Police Academy and a Junior Fire Academy. Each summer, young people receive an up close look at the roles of these dedicated men and women in a fun and educational environment. Both academies are extremely well attended, and our police officers, firefighters, and EMTs do an amazing job. We can’t thank them enough for what they do to make these programs possible.

In addition to our young participants enjoying a fun and impactful week out of the house, the weeklong academies are very important to our community.

First and foremost, these types of activities help to foster a positive bond between first responders and our young people. When police officers, firefighters, and EMTs as seen as approachable and caring, our children will be more likely to go them and seek help during emergencies and critical situations.

Experiencing our first responders’ academies can also serve as the first spark that inspires these young people to pursue a career in public safety. Attendees get a truer sense of what these vocations are all about and the value they have in our town. As an administration, our goal is to employ dedicated public servants who have compassion and empathy; and in a few years, I would not be surprised at all if some of our participants put on a Pennsauken uniform.

While our society and popular culture tell us one thing about first responders, the real responsibilities of the job are quite different. Our academy participants learn about some of the challenges and stress that our first responders face on a daily basis, giving them a greater appreciation of those who serve our community. On the other side of the coin, our first responders gain insight into the concerns and perspectives of a younger generation, helping them respond more effectively and with sensitivity to their needs.

Finally, when our young people view first responders as friends, it strengthens our sense of community and belonging. This spirit of cooperation and partnership is important to our first responders as they perform their duties each and every day. And in times of crisis, that bond can absolutely lead to more effective responses and positive outcomes.

Pennsauken Township Committee and our entire administration are extremely grateful for all that our first responders do for our community. We will continue to do everything that we can to provide the tools and resources needed to keep our community safe.