Gardner opens Junior Police Academy applications and marks Police, EMS weeks

The mayor announced that Gardner is accepting applications for the renamed Rockberry Bario Memorial Junior Police Academy, a free weeklong program for teens (July 13–18) that includes fitness training, mock traffic stops, defensive tactics and investigative techniques. Applications are due June 5; the program is open to all teens with priority given to Gardner residents. Questions and applications are to be directed to School Resource Officer Ryan Spain (email provided in the update) or the Gardener Police Department phone number cited in the announcement.

The mayor also acknowledged National Police Week (May 11–17) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15), thanking the Gardner Police Department and the dispatch center for their service. He noted National EMS Week (May 17–23) and thanked Gardner firefighters, Mount Wus Ambulance and local EMTs for their role in emergency response. The mayor said he sits on the board for the local paramedic certificate program and praised local EMS training and staffing.

“Thank you to everyone of the men and women of the Gardener Police Department,” the mayor said, adding praise for emergency medical personnel and the volunteer-run training programs that support local responders.