Youths complete Stratford PAL Camp

By Stratford Star on July 21, 2015

On Friday, July 17, the Stratford Police Activities League (PAL) held a brief ceremony to mark the completion of their two-week summer camp, dubbed “The Public Safety Experience 2.0.” Thirty-one youths participated in this year’s program, up from 15 last year. The program also was expanded from one week last year to two weeks this year.

The Public Safety Experience is a collaborative effort between the Stratford Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Service Departments. The program included live and interactive demonstrations, field trips, tours of the Town’s public safety facilities, and a visit with Stratford Mayor John Harkins. This year’s participants also met Dr. Henry Lee during their visit to the University of New Haven on July 9.

“We are extremely happy that we were able to do this program again through our Police Activities League,” said Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour. “We continue to get positive feedback from both the participants and their parents and hope that we can continue to grow the program each summer. This year, Deputy Fire Marshal Roy Minton joined with Police Lieutenant Melissa Niemiec and Officers’ Alec Voccola and Jose Escobar in putting the program together and working with the youths daily. Special thanks also go out to Mayor Harkins, Fire Chief Robert McGrath, and EMS Director Mike Loiz for supporting this initiative.”

The Public Safety Experience 2.0 was open to incoming seventh and eighth grade students. The program was free of charge and lunch was provided daily. Stratford PAL also has a Junior Rifle Team, a boxing program, a brand new Crossfit Kids program, and the Stratford Police Explorers.

For more information regarding the PAL and Explorer Programs contact Lieutenant Melissa Niemiec at 203-385-4146.

Stratford PAL is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit organization.