Wilmington's efforts to engage youth in public safety got a boost with the graduation of 24 young people from the city's Youth Public Safety Academy. The event, held at the JPMorgan Chase Building, was attended by Mayor John Carney, Chief of Police Wilfredo Campos, and Chief of Fire John Looney, along with the proud families and friends of the participants. According to the City of Wilmington statement, the two-week program introduces teens aged 13 to 17 to the world of police and fire services through a combination of role-playing, team-building exercises, and hands-on activities.
Mayor Carney praised the initiative, saying, “The Youth Public Safety Academy is a powerful example of what happens when we invest in our young people.” The curriculum of the program included conflict resolution, first aid, and drug awareness, demonstrating the city's commitment to provide a well-rounded educational experience. Chief Campos also expressed his enthusiasm, noting the program as a valuable introduction to careers in public service and expressing hope that some graduates will join the department in the future, as stated by the City of Wilmington.
Chief Looney highlighted the collaborative spirit of the academy, which brought together personnel from both police and fire departments. "The last two weeks have been filled with many activities related to our noble professions to meet our mission,” he told the City of Wilmington's news outlet. The synergy between the two departments underscored shared values such as professionalism and dedication, creating a cohesive learning environment for the participants.
The academy also enjoyed support from community and corporate partners. The Police Athletic League of Wilmington provided space, and local City Council Members and the team at ShopRite of Christina Crossing supported meals for the participants. Jeff Pilla of JPMorgan Chase, which hosted the ceremony and provided gear and lunch, expressed pride in the program. “We are happy to hear about the meaningful experiences that the youth participants have had, and the relationships they have formed, with first responders in our community,” he said, emphasizing the program’s influence, as reported by the City of Wilmington.
