Junior Police Academy Graduates Largest Class Yet

The Fort Lee Police Department’s seventh annual Junior Police Academy graduation was Friday at the . This year’s academy was the largest to date, according to the police department, with 60 Fort Lee boys and girls—soon to be seventh and eighth grade students—.

“Lead instructor Det. Jaime Cuevas, ran the academy in a boot camp style, instilling discipline as well as leadership and cooperation among the cadets,” said Det. Michelle Morgenstern of the Fort Lee Police Department. “He focused on providing the borough’s youth with a better understanding of how teamwork is necessary in order to succeed.”

The cadets were given uniforms and other gear they were responsible for bringing every day. Experts from the Fort Lee Police Department gave presentations on various aspects of police work, including K-9, patrol, traffic and detective responsibilities. The cadets also had a chance to visit the Fort Lee Fire Department, Municipal and County Courthouses and the Military History Museum at West Point Academy.

They participated in group sports as well as other team activities, including fitness assessments to determine their level of progress over the two-week period, Morgenstern said. 

“At the culmination of the academy, the cadets walked away with a better understanding of the Fort Lee Police Department’s motto of ‘Courtesy, Professionalism and Respect,’” she said.

Fort Lee Police Chief Thomas O. Ripoli thanked the following officers for their “assistance and dedication to this program:”

• Det. Jaime Cuevas
• Det. Doug Cabler
• Det. Michele Morgenstern
• Police Officer Mike Bialoblocki
• Police Officer Tom Keelen
• Police Officer Christina Blue