CHELMSFORD, Mass. – The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) will be able to expand its capacity by as many as 100 cadets this summer thanks to a $23,000 grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian announced today.
“Nearly 1,200 youngsters have applied to YPSA this year, and the continuing success of the camp comes from our terrific partnerships with our fellow law enforcement and government agencies,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “Thanks to the Baker Administration and EOPSS, we will be able to hire two extra counselors and purchase the additional equipment necessary to accept 100 more cadets over the course of the summer. This grant will make a real difference in the lives of these youngsters who may not otherwise be able to attend YPSA.”
This marks the second consecutive year the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) has been awarded the grant through the Commonwealth’s Law Enforcement and Youth Partnerships Summer Day Program. The initiative, administered by EOPSS, is designed to support summer recreational and educational learning opportunities with local law enforcement.
“We are honored to partner with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office to allow more young people to take part in this valuable program,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Thomas Turco. “Creating strong, positive relationships between law enforcement and the community is a priority for us and one that is clearly shared by Sheriff Koutoujian and his team.”
YPSA is a week-long camp designed for children ages 8-12 who live in Middlesex County. Cadets spend the week with MSO staff as well as police officers and firefighters from their hometown, forming important bonds with their local law enforcement officials. Cadets also participate in classroom and practical activities designed to teach them important public safety skills including a simulated fire safety trailer offered by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, a challenge course held at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica, and demonstrations offered by the MSO and partner agencies.
The Academy is run at the MSO Training Academy in Chelmsford, with transportation, breakfast and lunch provided for each cadet. YPSA runs for six, one-week sessions each summer. Spots remain available for cadets in several communities including, but not limited to, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Cambridge, Hudson, Maynard, Natick, Newton, Waltham and Watertown. Families can register their children by going to https://www.middlesexsheriff.org/ypsa.
