After a three-day camp, 18 local kids and teens graduated from Harrison Township’s first Emergency Services Youth Camp on August 27.
The new program is similar to a junior police academy; however, instead of only learning what it is like to be a police officer, the cadets are introduced to all aspects of emergency response. The camp was a collaboration between Harrison Township Police Department (HTPD), Harmony Fire Company, Gloucester County Emergency Medical Services (GCEMS), Gloucester County SWAT and K9 units from various local departments.
“The goal was not only to strengthen our relationships with the community, particularly with the younger members of our community, but also to strengthen the relationships and working partnerships between our own emergency services agencies,” said Sergeant Brent Datz, who spearheaded the entire program.
Camp cadets during a demonstration from Gloucester County SWAT.
New chief of police and former captain David Marro created a community relations officer position back when he took on his role of captain this February. He assigned the role to Datz.
“As part of that role, he asked me to develop events and programs that would help build stronger relationships between the police department and our community,” Datz said. “After developing a rough plan, I spoke with fire chief Matt Cardile, who was immediately on board with the idea of creating an Emergency Services Youth Camp that would bring together police, fire and EMS.”
The program was free for kids and teens ages 11 to 15. Over the course of three days, the cadets trained with instructors from HTPD and staff from the other participating departments.
It was sponsored by Belfor Restoration, Wolf Fitness of Mullica Hill, Harrison House Diner and PBA 178. Harbaugh Village assisted with the K9’s that were at the camp by providing the units a place to train after the demonstration.
Each morning, the cadets completed physical training and drills at William Wilt Soccer Complex. The rest of the days were focused on specific tasks for each department.
Cadets at Harmony Fire Company, where they learned basics of firefighting.
“The kids were definitely challenged throughout the week, but they showed a lot of improvement as the camp progressed. They also maintained great attitudes, were engaged throughout the activities, and seemed to really enjoy the experience,” Datz said.
The first day, the cadets learned formal marching, watched a K9 demonstration and learned how to fight fires, breach doors and open hydrants at Harmony Fire Department.
The second day, they viewed a drone demonstration at the police station, learned hands-on medical emergency skills with GCEMS and ended the day with the fire company again, furthering their skills from the day before.
On the final day, they continued their medical skill lessons, met with the Gloucester County SWAT team and showed off their marching skills to their families at the graduation ceremony.
“In today’s society, it is important for the youth of our community to have a more positive interaction with police,” Marro said at the ceremony. “All of you have been given a small glimpse of what police officers, fire fighters and EMS personnel do each day. The intention of this program is to introduce you to some of the job aspects of emergency response and the important role we all play in society.”
“You are tomorrow’s leaders. Leadership doesn’t begin when you become an adult, get a job, earn a title or get elected to something. Leadership starts right now,” Mayor Adam Wingate said at the ceremony.
Datz said the camp was a successful program that they “absolutely” plan on continuing in the future. It benefited the cadets and their leadership skills, plus it strengthened the connection between the township’s own emergency service department.
“This is important because it allows us to work together outside of an emergency environment, build trust and familiarity with one another, and ultimately strengthen our ability to work as a team,” Datz said. “The end goal is for all three agencies to have stronger relationships with each other and with our community so that we can provide the best possible service to the people we serve.”
Eighteen kids and teens participated in Harrison Township’s Emergency Services Youth Camp the final week of August. The cadets received shirts and hats to wear on their final day of the three-day camp.
