Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a 13-week “Lewiston Citizens Police Academy” course, put on completely by volunteers from the Lewiston Police Department. Officers, detectives, corporals, sargeants, the chaplain and chief all gave up their personal time to share an interesting and insightful view of all the responsibilities and programs in place to help protect and better our community.

I was surprised to learn about all the different resources and programs provided locally, also, all of the specialized training within the Lewiston Police Department, from traffic enforcement, utilizing trained canines, computer analysis, drug enforcement, handling of chemical and hazardous material, to teaching safety, assisting in neighborhood watch and organizing community action groups.

I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to attend that course.

Debi Wagemann, Oxford