Police Director Michael Cozzaglio told the students that he and Sgt. James Burdick used to be 'patrol boys' in the 1970s when they were in grammar school and were in the same shoes as the 36 graduates.
MaryAnn King, of the North Adams Police Department, presents Meaney and Jusino with certificates of appreciation for their involvement in the program.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The School Safety Patrol program graduates recognized paramedics John Meaney Jr. and Amalio Jusino for volunteering and assisting in the program.
The program teaches children safety and emergency response tactics. The participating pupils enjoyed a morning of bowling and pizza from Mingo's at their graduation pinning at Mount Greylock Bowl & Golf.
Before the students received their certificates MaryAnn King, of the North Adams Police Department, presented Meaney and Jusino with certificates of appreciation for their involvement in the program.
"They have been a big part of this program, and every year they have taken time out of their very busy days to train you in the medical portion," King said. "They have been great helping us, and I really want to thank them."
Mayor Richard Alcombright, who attended the party, thanked the two EMTs and all first responders who serve the community.
"Here in the city of North Adams ... we have one of the best emergency response management teams in the commonwealth of Massachusetts for sure," Alcombright said. "We have been awarded to that degree and we appreciate everything they do."
As for the program itself, the mayor urged the children to continue their training as protectors in the community.
"You learned what you learned and you did what you did because you really wanted to, and I hope it takes on more of a life as you want to become more involved in your community," Alcombright said. "Don’t let this experience be it."
Superintendent James Montepare agreed.
"You people have volunteered to be part of this, and you are the next level of leaders and mentors," he said. "Go into this with eyes open when you move into the high school ... we are looking for role models and I think we found 36 of them in this room."
Police Director Michael Cozzaglio told the students that he and Sgt. James Burdick used to be "patrol boys" in the 1970s when they were in grammar school and were in the same shoes as the 36 graduates.
He added that the program truly benefits the Police Department.
"You guys and girls all see what is going on today, and ... one of the big things that we advocate for ... is if you see something say something," Cozzaglio said. "You are more eyes and ears for all of us now when you are at school or on the bus."
northadams.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
MEMBER SIGN IN
