By LANA CLIFTON
At an informal ceremony held on Tuesday, Nov. 17, participants of the Bryant Citizen’s Police Academy were recognized for completing the program. Family members also attended the event.
Mayor Larry Mitchell was on hand to congratulate participants. He thanked them for being a part of the program and declared his support of the CPA.[more]
“I am impressed with the program,” said Mitchell. “I hope this was a real learning process.”
Mitchell went on to say he hoped those who had completed the CPA would share what they learned about the Bryant Police Department with neighbors who might have a negative view of police officers.
“They put their life on the line every day,” added Mitchell.
Chief Tony Coffman also addressed participants.
“If you took something away, then we were successful,” he said.
Coffman also emphasized how important he believed the CPA was to building relationships between police officers and citizens.
“This is important to me . . . to educate the public on what we do,” Coffman explained.
After watching a video of photos featuring highlights of the classes, Coffman presented CPA participants with a certificate and a coffee mug.
Sgt. Jenceson Payte encouraged those who had completed the program to spread the word about it and to let neighbors and friends know the next CPA would be held in spring of 2010.
