To the editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Tiverton Police Department for providing the public the opportunity to participate in the Citizen’s Police Academy. This free to the public and no-cost to the taxpayer event afforded the participants a very real world experience as to how the Tiverton Police Department functions to protect all of us.

The weekly topics included: An Introduction to the Police Department, Tour of the Police Department Complex, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Enforcement, Accident Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Firearms Training Simulator Demonstration/Participant Practice, and Traffic Laws Enforcement.

I have always had great respect for the Tiverton Police Department though this Citizen’s Police Academy experience boosted my respect by helping me more fully understand as to what our dedicated officers have to deal with 24/7/365.

All the representatives of the Tiverton Police Department truly deserve a heartfelt thanks for their efforts to protect all of us. The “bad guys” are out there, and our policemen put their lives on-the-line to protect us.

Thanks again to the team who volunteered to provide this exceptional course. When this course is offered again, I strongly urge that our town residents, teachers, employees and Town Council attend this truly informative meeting.

Next March email Sergeant Daniel Raymond, DRaymond@TivertonPoliceRI.com , to receive the latest information on this exceptional instructional lecture series.

Special thanks should be extended to the following Citizens Police Academy instructors: Chief Thomas Blakey, Captain Patrick Jones, Lieutenant James Costa, Lieutenant Michael Miguel, Detective Daniel Martin, Sergeant Brendan McKinnon, Sergeant Daniel Raymond, officer Kurt Ripke, officer James McGuinness-Rossi, officer Sean Frodyma, communications center Chris Gagner, and domestic violence advocate Julianna Hamer.

In conclusion, when you encounter our officers, extend a hello, offer a thank you, or shake their hand, as an expression of gratitude for their dedicated work.

TW Molinski

Tiverton