Sullivan Elementary pupils joined members of the police force on a cold morning run on Saturday.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Members of the Police Department and Sullivan Elementary School pupils laced up their running shoes and hit the pavement.
After some dynamic stretching Saturday morning, 20 sixth- and seventh-graders went for a jog downtown with their new running partners.
Officer David Lemieux, who spearheaded the new program "Running with The Law," said the idea came to him during one of his many runs with Sullivan teacher James Holmes.
"We were trying to figure out something athletic so the kids could learn more about health and how to stay in shape, but we also wanted the kids to get to know us better," Lemieux said. "We hope that programs like this will make the kids more comfortable to come to us when they need something."
Holmes agreed with Lemieux and said the most important part of the program is for kids to build friendships with local police officers.
"The most important thing is that these kids learn to look at these police officers and know they have a friend here, and they aren’t going to afraid to come to the police if they need anything," Holmes said.
Joining the convoy of runners were Officers Ben Austin, Kyle Cahoon, David Sherman and Josh Zustra, and Sgt. Jason Wood. Lemieux said other officers have shown interest and he expects more police will join in as the program continues through the fall.
The group ran down Main, Eagle and Marshall streets, and then looped back around to the Police Station. Pupils stayed together as a team on the sidewalks and found that running with the law has benefits – such as their ability to stop traffic when it’s time to cross the street.
They also were given a crash course in proper stretching, hydration, and team work. Pupils were able to lead stretching demonstrations with Officer Lemieux and even show the other officers how to do a proper lunge.
Holmes said the Police Department is truly committed to the youth of the city and is involved in many levels in the schools. He added that police have presented numerous programs at the school about safety and will be heavily involved in the upcoming forensic program.
"We have almost 100 percent commitment from the North Adams Police Department; it’s phenomenal," he said. "these guys are great, and they do everything with these kids ... people need to know that the police are an integral part of this community."
As of now, the group has three more runs scheduled.
Lemieux thanked Police Director Michael Cozzaglio, Mayor Richard Alcombright, and Superintendent of Schools James Montepare and said without their support programs like this would not be possible.
He added that next year he hopes to continue the program with more of his co-workers and involve more schools.
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Sullivan Elementary pupils joined members of the police force on a cold morning run on Saturday.
