Youth Leadership Jefferson County is a program designed to develop leadership skills in high school students. It consists of a full-day class that meets monthly. Justice Day was held on Oct. 4 and focused on law enforcement and the judicial system in Jefferson County.
The day began at 7:30 a.m. as Judge
Brian Boatright discussed his career as a judge. The class was able to listen to actual court cases. After watching cases,
Mark Messenbaugh and
Tom Ripp, attorneys of the law, explained the court system.
Representatives from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) spoke to the class about the dangers of driving drunk and the effects of alcohol on bodily processes.
Scott Storey, District Attorney for Jefferson County, told the class how he became a lawyer and later the District Attorney. Division Chief
Jeff Shrader spoke to the class about the morals needed as a police officer and community leader.
The police dog trainers, also known as the K-9 Unit, showed us the police dogs. The officers discussed the training of dogs, and how the dogs are used in the field. Police dogs are becoming very important in the field of law enforcement. They can smell the chemicals which make bombs and drugs; dogs can also track criminals by their scent. Lunch was then provided courtesy of Pizza Hut, Citywide Banks, and Feely and Associates.
In the afternoon, everyone was given a tour of the Jefferson County jail which included the minimum and maximum security prison cells. After the tour of the jail, Officer
Stacey Collins spoke to us about the importance of Internet safety. He explained the dangers of giving personal information to strangers on the Internet. At the end of the day,
J.J. Beattie spoke to the class about the roles of victim advocates and 911 operators. She described the difficulties 911 operators face, such as keeping a family calm in the midst of a crime.
Today was a busy and educational day for the students of Youth Leadership Jefferson County. The students learned about the roles of officials involved in law enforcement and the judicial system. On Nov. 1 Youth Leadership Jefferson County will have another exciting day at the CBS 4 Studio.
If you have any questions about becoming involved Youth Leadership Jefferson County, feel free to contact me.
The link to Youth Leadership Jefferson County
http://www.westchamber.org/youth.asp
Aaron Garrison is a homeschooled student in Evergreen.