Youth cadet law program graduates 49 from Virginia State Police academy

This week 49 high schools students from across the Commonwealth experienced life as a Virginia State Police trooper trainee.

They became the 29^th generation of the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program, which is co-sponsored by the Virginia State Police and The American Legion. At a ceremony held at the Virginia State Police Academy in North Chesterfield County, the teenagers were presented their graduation certificates Friday.

The 29^th Session of the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program began June 24, 2018. The week-long training curriculum is for high school students who have completed their junior year. Cadets experience a life similar to a trooper-in-training, complete with daily room inspections and instruction by state police troopers on Department operations, crime scene investigations, officer survival, undercover operations, driver improvement, scuba training, defensive tactics and firearms safety. The students even had the opportunity to meet with First Lady Pamela Northam and get a tour of the Executive Mansion and State Capitol. (See attached photos.)

As part of their training, the cadets also undergo a variety of physical agility exercises used in the Virginia State Police applicant testing process.

“This collaborative program is such an invaluable experience for those youth interested in pursuing a law enforcement career,” says Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police superintendent. “The training not only introduces them to the instruction, skillsets and discipline required of today’s public safety professional, but also provides a positive way for our Department to interact one-on-one with today’s youth.”

Cadet Zachary Everson of Bedford, Va., was selected for the Jessica J. Cheney Spirit Award. The annual award is presented in memory of Trooper Jessica J. Cheney who was the first cadet to graduate from the program and go on to become a trooper. Trooper Cheney died of injuries suffered Jan. 17, 1998, after being struck by a vehicle as she directed traffic at a crash scene on Route 1, north of Fredericksburg. The award is presented to the cadet who demonstrates the same motivation, drive and enthusiasm that Trooper Cheney displayed as a cadet.

Additional award recipients include:

• Female Physical Fitness Award:  Cadet Cecelia Barnett of Gum Springs, Va.
• Male Physical Fitness Award:  Cadet Jack Jenkins of Gloucester, Va.
• Virginia State Trooper Counselor’s Award: Cadet Kolton Chapman of Virginia Beach, Va.

The American Legion selects and sponsors the students to represent the organization’s Virginia districts.