The fourth annual Junior Deputy Academy, conducted by the Winston County Sheriff’s Office, was in session from July 8-11, at the South Louisville Baptist Church. The academy is open to youth from 6-12 years of age, and there is a $35 fee which helps to defray the cost of t-shirts, snacks, graduation ceremony, etc.
The four days were filled with activities for the participants, including visits from Louisville Fire Dept., Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Lifecare EMS, and others. The Junior Deputies had an opportunity to learn about firearms safety, hunting safety, how to exit a burning building and what it’s like to ride in an ambulance.
Sheriff Jason Pugh stated that it also gives the youth a chance to see what law enforcement and other emergency responders do. He said, “They learn not to be scared of us, and that’s a big thing. When a policeman shows up in uniform it’s usually not a good thing, unfortunately. And these kids get to know a little bit more about what we do.”
This year, the Junior Deputies went on a field trip to Legion State Park, where they hiked a nature trail, and they were told what they should and should not do if they got lost in the woods. Pugh stated that the kids greatly enjoyed the hike and it would probably be incorporated in future Academies.
The youth were also able to interact with the WSO drug dog, the LFD fire dog and Steve Jones’ search and rescue dog. And there was an in-depth discussion on bullying. The Junior Deputies also ‘worked’ various mock crime scenes, as well.
The Academy ended on Thursday, July 11, with a graduation meal and awarding of certificates. Much credit for the success of this year’s academy goes to Pugh, Deputy Jimmy Lovorn, Deputy David Sullivan and a number of volunteers including some youth who have participated in past Academies. Pugh added that his department plans to continue the Junior Deputy Academy into the future.
