Editor’s note: This letter is referring to the upcoming Citizens Police Academy the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is holding on Tuesdays beginning on Feb. 10 through March 31, from 6-9 p.m. at the New Sharon Town Office. Classes are open to anyone living in Franklin County and are free. The six-week course will cover patrol operations, use of K-9s, drug investigation, and administrative functions. If interested, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 778-2680.
My husband and I, and several friends, attended the first sheriff’s Citizen’s Police Academy held in Stratton last year.
I strongly urge the folks in the area around Chesterville, New Sharon and Industry to sign up for these classes. It was an absolutely fascinating window into the operation of our Sheriff’s Department, the duties of the deputies on patrol, the procedures they follow, and the laws we all live under. These are REAL classes (no tests) generating a lot of discussions, and a chance to meet the men and women of the department.
We each had the opportunity to ride along on a patrol, and each of us had entirely different experiences – all eye-opening. We also had the opportunity to tour the Sheriff’s Office facility. I have a whole new appreciation for a profession that differs greatly from what you see on the “Cops & Robbers” junk on TV and in the movies. You will enjoy the entire series of classes.
I doubt, however, that Sheriff Nichols will EVER again volunteer for a taser demonstration! (Each officer who carries a taser must personally experience it.)
Jo & Ray Craemer
Eustis
