Around 60 elementary school students attended the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Academy today and this week at the community complex in Crossville.

Yesterday was the start with presentations from medics and first responders on the duties they perform. The K-9’s also made an appearance for the kids to see.

Today (Tuesday, June 8, 2021) they experienced what it is like for law enforcement to make entry into a building and hear from a SWAT team member. Members of the sheriff’s office held question and answer sessions with the “cadets” in a variety of topics. They also had a chance to ride around in an armor vehicle belonging to the sheriff’s office.

Tomorrow, the children will take part in a crime scene investigation tailored to their age range.

Thursday, they will learn basic defense tactics and self-defense.

Friday will be learning about traffic stops.

All of these activities will be held at the community complex.

Gary Howard with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department said more advanced instruction will be given for the middle and high school students later this summer.

Howard commented on the importance of the academy:

The High School Week (9th-12th grades) will be July 6-9, 2021 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. central.

The Middle School Week (7th and 8th grades) will be July 26-30, 2021 from 8 a.m. until noon central.

The cost is $25 per participant and scholarships are available. Parents can register their child up to the 1^st day of the week their grade level starts at the academy.

Applications can be obtained online by clicking on the link below or at the sheriff’s department.

The academy will be held at the Cumberland County Community Complex.

For more information, click on the following (registration form buttons are at the bottom of the webpage):

https://garyhoward911.wixsite.com/syacademy

(Pictures by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and 105.7 News)