Youngsville Citizens Police Academy holds graduation

 LOCAL NEWS

NOV 23, 2023

Photo by Jacob Perryman The Youngsville CItizens Police Academy held its graduation Thursday night at the Youngsville municipal building. Show, left to right, front row, graduates Kat Ralston, Diane Sharp, Kim Hall, Rachael Hodge and Dan Ralston; back row, Warren County Chief County Det. Tom Kibbey, Warren County Sheriff Brian Zeybel, graduates Mark Shaffer, Troy McFate, Scott Mineweaser, Dean Clough and Todd Garris, Youngsville Police Chief Todd Mineweaser, Northwestern Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association Executive Board Chair Rich Shopene and Magisterial District Judge Todd Woodin.

The Youngsville Citizens Police Academy held graduation for its inaugural class Thursday night.

Ten participants interested in learning about law enforcement and the criminal justice system were honored.

Guest speaker for the night was Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association Executive Board Chair and former police Chief Rich Shopene.

Shopene described the program as an “effort to build partnership with the community and police.”

A dinner was then served followed by awards for perfect attendance and drawings for prizes.

The ten-week program was organized by Youngsville Borough Police Chief Todd Mineweaser with funding and aid from the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.

“It was really an eye-opener,” class member Todd Garris said. “The public is really in the dark on what they deal with every day and how much really goes through the courthouse.”

Class members participated in activities and heard from speakers across the criminal justice system. Activities included a DUI education night, K-9 unit training, a police academy tour and a criminal investigation night. Speakers came from across law enforcement, as far as Erie, and included sessions with magisterial district and common pleas judges.

“It was really nice they took the time out of their lives,” Garris said.

The program even surprised Mineweaser’s brother, Scott, who participated in the program.

“It was very informative,” he said. “I learned things about my own brother. I highly recommend it to anyone.”

Mineweaser said the department hopes to continue the program in future years.