To the editor:

I was pleased and privileged to have been accepted to attend the Bristol Citizens Police Academy. Over the last ten weeks, we met one night per week for two hours and were briefed by a number of very professional police officers, administrative staff, and animal control specialists on most of the subject matter areas law enforcement has to deal with on a daily basis.

Every briefing received by the thirty plus civilian attendees was interesting, informative and provided each of us with a more comprehension sense and understanding of the knowledge, training, patience, emotional stability, clear thinking and sound judgment required to be effective is this most challenging of career fields.

I think we all understand the difficulties first responders encounter today in trying to accomplish their mission of protecting and serving the public. Their most difficult and dangerous job is made that much more challenging by the insane cries for defunding by some politicians, agitators and progressive district attorneys with their no cash bail values, along with the aid and comfort provided all too often by members of the mainstream media.

Residents of Bristol should feel very comfortable knowing that their police and fire departments are every bit as good as the best you will find anywhere. Because of all the added risks officers face today, it has gotten very difficult to recruit talented members of society to enter the rigorous training process to become a police officer.

We who live in Bristol should feel very privileged and grateful for the caliber and character of the men and women who make up our fully accredited Bristol Police Department.

I highly recommend every citizen to seriously think about applying to attend this ten-week citizens police academy program. You will not regret the experience. If interested, I urge you to contact Sergeant Ricardo Mourato to inquire about openings whenever the next class might be scheduled.

Pete Hewett
Wendy Drive