by Bobby Blair
2/7/2019

American Legion Offers Opportunity for Student Trooper Program

by Bobby Blair
 

The Program:

The American Legion, Department of Massachusetts, Inc. sponsors a "Student Trooper Program" in cooperation with the Massachusetts State Police Academy every year.

Our desire is to recruit youths representing all communities and cultural backgrounds and to increase their understanding of the job of police officers. The program is designed to expose young adults to the demands of police training and to develop better relationships between the youth of our communities and the police that serve them.

The Student Trooper program is an intensive, one week, residential learning experience for young adults, ages 15 thru 17. The program is held at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree.

The Student Trooper program is not a summer camp and is not designed for troubled teenagers. The program is mentally and physically demanding. The Massachusetts State Police Academy uses a paramilitary approach to training, and discipline is strict. Vigorous physical training, including running and calisthenics, is required. Reveille is at 5:30AM and "lights out" is at 10:00PM. Candidates should be highly motivated and willing to work as a team to succeed in daily challenges.

Veteran Massachusetts State Police trainers will provide classroom and hands-on training in topics such as First Aid/CPR, Criminal Law, Officer Safety, Crime Scene Investigations, Safe Driving, Leadership, Internet Safety, Team Building, and Physical Fitness. Student Troopers will also observe and participate in demonstrations by members of State Police specialty units such as tactical teams, the K-9 Unit, and the Air Wing.

Student Troopers who graduate from the program will be proud of their accomplishments. The lessons learned will serve them well for years to come.

Qualifications:

The program is open to male and female high school students 15 - 17 years of age in good scholastic standing. They must be of good moral character and present a well-groomed appearance with hair neatly trimmed (males must be clean shaven).

Due to the rigorous training and stress involved in a paramilitary-type academy, those requiring special diets or having special physical needs cannot be accepted. The "Student Trooper Program" is open to all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex or nationality.

Applications:

The local American Legion Post #47 will pay the expenses for two applicants, either male or female.

Applications can be obtained by clicking on the following link: Student Trooper Application

If accepted, it will be the applicants responsibility to obtain a doctor's certification attesting to his or her fitness, and to provide transportation to and from the academy located in New Braintree, MA.

A parent or guardian must sign a release of liability for the Massachusetts State Police and the American Legion, Department of Massachusetts.

Applications must be received before April 28, 2019.

Apply early as space is limited.

It is our hope that the participants will return to their community with a clearer understanding of police responsibilities and the problems they encounter. We are confident The Student Trooper Program will instill in these young people a newfound or increased respect for the police and that when they return the their communities, they will share their experiences.

All accepted applicants will be sent a packet which includes: a letter of acceptance, required equipment, fitness program, Student Trooper rules and regulations, medical status questionnaire (2 sided), medical authorization form (2 sided), time to report, a list of personal items to bring, and directions to the academy.

Applications may be downloaded from above or picked up at the Holliston Police Station. Applications MUST be returned to the Holliston Police Station or to SRO Officer Bryan DiGeogio at Holliston High School no later than Monday April 24th at 9 a.m.  Holliston students not attending the local high school may also apply. Local American Legion Student Trooper Chairman is Bobby Blair who can be contacted at mudvillemayor@gmail.com.