New gear belts, under belts and holsters for the Sedona Police Cadet program have arrived! All provided courtesy of a $1,300 donation from Sedona Red Rocks.
Sedona Red Rocks’ treasurer, Donna Hawk, presented the check to some of the cadet team, their advisors and Sedona Police Department leadership staff at their evening meeting on August 17.
The Sedona Police Cadets are currently comprised of 8 recruits. A mix of six guys and two gals all currently enrolled in grades 9 - 12 either at Sedona Red Rocks High School or the private Verde Valley School. The program is open to any student that meets the qualifications and lives within the Verde Valley. Three cadets graduated as seniors last May and have exited the program. As the current school year has just started, they are actively looking for new recruits. The maximum number the program can accommodate is twelve.
As a result of a press release in the Sedona Red Rocks News, the club became aware of the program. Officer Catherine Beers, the cadet’s co-advisor was contacted and the need for new equipment was expressed. As Sedona Red Rocks budgeted its giving for the 2023-24 year, the cadets’ wish for some new gear was included.
Officer Beers and co-advisor Officer Mike Lucas train the cadets in real-life police tactical situations, following the written law and treating the public with respect and kindness. The highlight for the cadets is the opportunity to compete against their peers. Their next nation-wide competition is in Chandler, AZ in January 2024.
No longer sporting used, mis-matched equipment, the cadets will be proud to wear their new Sedona Red Rock’s provided gear into competition. Good luck SPD Cadets!