More than 100 area children enjoyed a fun filled day learning first-hard about the jobs of police and fire officers during the Hamilton County Jr. Law Enforcement Academy.
Director Mark Fidler said the one-day camp was held at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville. Fidler, who serves as a chaplain in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, said the camp is open to all children of law enforcement officers in Hamilton County.
“Its fun for the kids,” he said, adding it gives children and their friends a better explanation of their parent’s role in law enforcement. “It brings the community together to say we are all here working for the same reason.”
Fidler said this year’s theme was integrity and included guest speakers Carmine Azzato, a professional wrestler, and boxer Alphonso Bailey.
“They shared about their life and being a wrestler and boxer and a Christian and what integrity means in their life,” Fidler said.
The day camp also included games, activities, demonstrations and root beer floats. Fidler said a K-9 demonstration showed how officers train the dogs and use them for search and rescue or to take down a suspect. SWAT team members blew up items much to the excitement of children.
“They love the police car rides,” Fidler said.
Noblesville Police Lt. Tony Craig has participated with the program since its inception nine years ago.
“We started out in Forest Park with about 40 kids and one or two sponsors. We’ve grown to 100-plus (children) every year and seven or eight top of the line sponsors,” he said. “The camp has really grown into a wonderful multiagency camp and such a great community outreach program where the kids really get to meet us as people behind the badge.”
