Last week, the Nutley Police Department welcomed more than 60 students in grades 5 through 8 to its 13th annual Junior Police Academy, held at Spring Garden School. Led by Lieutenant Michael Padilla, the free weeklong program gave participants hands-on experience in police fundamentals, including marching, defensive tactics, and crime scene processing. Students also had the opportunity to work alongside the Nutley Fire Department and EMS Squad, and they enjoyed a special trip to American Dream Mall in East Rutherford.

At the graduation ceremony, Public Safety Director Commissioner Alphonse Petracco praised the Police Department, along with Chief Thomas Strumolo, Deputy Chief Gerald Green, Lieutenant Padilla, Sergeant Paul Carnicella, and the officers who helped make the program possible. He also thanked the Nutley Fire Department, American Dream Mall, and the parents for their support.

“I want to thank the Nutley Police Department because they go above and beyond with this program,” Commissioner Petracco said. “Nutley is a family-oriented town, and we really care about each other. The Junior Police program is an example of this. Take this experience and remember to continue to make Nutley the great town that it's always been because the future is in your hands. Don't let this end today. Pay it forward and keep this going on. I want to congratulate all of you and I hope you enjoyed the experience.”

Lt. Padilla, who founded the program, continues to be impressed with the response of the attendees. 

“It's amazing to see the transformation in the kids over five short days,” he said, speaking to the parents at the graduation. “That's the change from Monday to Friday. But it doesn't have to end today. That's something that you can reinforce as parents. Remind your children about being present and mindful in the moment. As somebody who does part of the hiring at our department, that's one of the most important things that I'm seeing – kids aren't continuing to develop skill sets the same way that we might have had the opportunity to develop pre-social media. If you continue to reinforce some of the things we covered during this week, continue to teach them to be present in the moment, great things can happen.”

Students and squad leaders also shared their appreciation for the experience. Matthew Loeser, a squad leader and fourth-year Academy participant, said the program helped him build leadership skills while also having fun and getting to know the younger students. Mia Sessoms, who is in her third year at the Academy, said each year becomes even more meaningful and called it a special experience to learn from and work with the officers.

Padilla also spoke about the importance of strong connections between police officers and young people in the community. He said community policing is central to everything the department does and stressed the value of building trust before a crisis occurs. “We want your kids to come to us when they have an issue, not run from us,” he stated. “We're a very young police force, but we're creating opportunities to have your kids come and meet us in an environment where they're comfortable. So that when they see us when they're not comfortable, they come to us and feel secure asking for help.”

Lt. Padilla was assisted during the week by the following members of the Nutley Police Department:  Lt. Graziano, Sgt. Carnicella, Sgt. DeSciscio, Sgt. Devine, Officers R. O’Mara, Martin, Tedesco, Mecka, Styskal, Cangiarella, Sellari, Senatore, Ballester, Castro, Hickey, Alvarez-Escobar, Rizzuto, Nelson, Bassani and Dispatcher Santos. 

Through the Junior Police Academy, the department works to create a welcoming environment where children can meet officers, feel comfortable reaching out, and see police as trusted community partners. “Every year, the program gets better and better,” Commissioner Petracco added. “I can’t say enough about the officers and the kids. It’s something the entire Township is proud of.”