Pine Bluffs Police Youth Cadets complete successful first year
The Pine Bluffs Police Department had a successful first year of their Youth Cadet Program.
By News Channel NebraskaPINE BLUFFS -- The Pine Bluffs Police Department had a successful first year of their Youth Cadet Program.
The program began in June 2024, and they will take a few weeks off for the kids to settle into school before continuing into its second year, starting mid-September.
Ten kids participated in the first year of the cadet program, and two kids graduated and are no longer involved in the program.
It is open to new applicants 13 – 21 years old from any of the surrounding communities.
“We definitely had interest from outside communities like Kimball and Cheyenne but the active participants were from the Pine Bluffs and Burns area,” said Chief of Police Austin Smith. “I encourage anyone from Kimball and Cheyenne to go ahead and sign up.”
Applications can be picked up in person at the Pine Bluffs Police Department or request an application via email at [email protected].
Submit completed applications to the Pine Bluffs Police Department, Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, or the Kimball Police Department.
In the first year, the cadets completed training in traffic control, procedures, firearms, de-escalation and first aid.
Smith said they have yet to set up CPR training, but he does anticipate that to be part of training in the future.
Since the Pine Bluffs Police Department partnered with the Kimball Police Department and Laramie County Sheriff’s Office for the program, the training was extended to those surrounding areas.
The cadets visited Kimball for PepperBall training, participated in the Trails Day Parade, and Cheyenne Frontier Days for traffic control training.
“They liked Cheyenne Frontier Days because it was a big event and a lot more hands-on stuff they can do,” Smith said. “Their least favorite was probably traffic control because of the heat; it was the middle of summer in 97 degrees, so I don’t blame them there. It was more due to the weather than anything we did, but for the most part, it was really well received, and they liked the program and the training.”