Police academy opens to city residents

Weatherford Police officers have an interesting job ranging in duties from traffic control and crime scenes to arrests and public relations.

For years, many residents have volunteered to make their jobs a bit easier while lending support on various scenes and cooking holiday meals for those on patrol.

The department in partnership with the Weatherford Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (WCPAAA) will host the 2009 Weatherford Citizen Police Academy beginning March 3, for those interested in volunteering and catching a glimpse of what it’s like on the streets and saving taxpayer’s money.

Classes will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the department at 801 Santa Fe Drive.

“This is a great opportunity to learn more about your local law enforcement agency as well as your community,” said Alecia Durham, Weatherford Police Special Services planner. “You will learn about patrol procedures, traffic stops, DWI, K-9, crime scene, Texas Penal Code, gang culture, criminal investigations, communications, special operations, crime prevention, vice and narcotics, and medical examiner information.”

Upon graduation, citizens will have an opportunity to join the association.

Members of the alumni assist officers with community activities such as parades, the Peach Festival, Christmas on the Square, the Fall Festival, city clean up days, searching for missing persons, fingerprinting children at local schools, patrolling and McGruff the Crime Dog appearances.

The group also has a patrol vehicle, donated by the department, which allows members to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears as they assist officers in patrolling the city.

Weatherford Police Sgt. Dennis Whitford serves as the department’s liaison with the association and said the group has been more than helpful to the department on numerous occasions.

“As an officer, it is good to know that the Alumni Association is available to help us out with just about anything we need, from providing assistance to us at parades and festivals to bringing us food when we are tied up on a crime scene,” Whitford said. “They are always there for us and we appreciate all that they do. I am excited about the upcoming Citizen Police Academy. It gives us the opportunity to teach our citizens a little bit about what we do at the police department.”

The WCPAAA will host an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Weatherford Police Department. During the event, potential candidates can learn more about the academy and ask questions about volunteering.

Weatherford Police Deputy Chief Wayne Slimp said the volunteers play a vital role at the department.

“We greatly appreciate the countless hours that they spend in training, attending monthly meetings and assisting us on a regular basis,” Slimp said. “They allow us to continue to provide a high level of service to our community at no additional costs to the department or the citizens. We look forward to hosting the 2009 academy and invite everyone to join us at the upcoming open house on Feb. 17.”

WCPAAA President Chris Hummel has served in the association for 12 years and said he believes in supporting the department so much, he accepted the position as president just a year after signing up to volunteer. He added members of the academy alleviate some of the duties of the officers which allows them to focus on more serious duties.

“The academy provides a background on the police department and what our officers do in the city,” Hummel said. “They get to see what officers do in administration and what some of the officers do while working behind the scenes. They normally wouldn’t get to see that on the streets. I enjoy being a part of the WCPAAA. It gives me an avenue in which to give back to the community and help our local police department.”

Hummel said a casino night fundraiser will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Weatherford Senior Center. The event is hosted by members of the association and directly benefits the department.

“It’s out largest fundraiser,” Hummel said. “We have so much fun and proceeds go toward officers and the department.”

For more information regarding the WCPAAA, contact Hummel at (817) 594-3713 or (817) 594-2320. You may also contact Whitford or Durham at the department at (817) 598-4310. For an academy application, visit the WCPAAA Web site at www.weatherfordcitizenpolice.org.

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