Darlington County Park

Teens Come To Bergen Training Ground To Learn Law Enforcement

This week, a group of about 100 high school students from around Bergen County has returned to the Bergen County Youth Police Academy for the tail end of a two week camp.

While this week’s plans include several field trips to places like the Statue of Liberty, US Air Marshals, and Darlington County Park, most of the first week was spent at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute on Campgaw Road in Mahwah. Cadets spent the week involved in different simulated emergency and public service scenarios.

“We really try to give the kids a sample of what it is like to be involved in a bunch of different aspects of law enforcement, firefighting, and other forms of public service,” Maureen Parenta, the Communications Director for the County Prosecutor’s Office, said.

Cadets participated in activities like casing a crime scene, acting as a CSI unit, participating in a mock trial, and using hoses and other fire equipment to put out controlled fires.

Parenta called the camp a “great pooling of the County’s resources,” as it is put on through the combined efforts of the Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, and County PD. The Academy is taught by officers from all of the county’s law enforcement departments.

Founded by Prosecutor John Molinelli in 2004, the camp is offered to Bergen teens free of charge. It is funded through funds confiscated from criminal activities.

This year’s class, which was compiled on a first-come, first-serve basis, had about 100 kids on the waiting list.

“We are thinking of becoming police officers when we get older, so when our parents found out about this camp we thought it would be great for us,” Richard Potenza, a 15-year-old Mahwah resident who is attending with his two brothers, said.

“The squad instructors are a lot of fun, and they answer all of the questions that you have. I really think this teaches you to have a better understanding and more respect for what they do,” his 14-year-old brother, Paul, said. 

Cadets will graduate in a ceremony Friday evening in Hackensack.

Catfish On The Lake: Day 23: Lending A Hand

Every year, the Bergen Bassmaster's hold a fishing day for the handicapped. Rods, reels, worms, food, beverages, music, hayrides and the like are all provided and it's truly a wonderful day. They are always in need of volunteers, especially those who can tie knots, undo tangles, bait hooks, take fish off the hook and provide some company for the many participants who are bussed in from around the area. A New Jersey native, Mark has spent most of his life fishing the state from the Delaware Water Gap to Cape May. His affinity for angling began on the piers of Atlantic Highlands, but quickly turned to the lakes and ponds of northern New Jersey in his early teens. Since then, Mark has spent time honing his skills around the country, from the Connecticut River in Vermont to Alabama’s Lake Guntersville. You will occasionally find him standing in the suds on the Jersey Shore or striper fishing on the Hudson, but he’s more likely to be found on Lake Hopatcong. Mark was first published in the September 2009 issue of the The New Jersey Angler Magazine, which featured his writing on a monthly basis until it closed. He was serving as Associate Products Editor when it ceased publication. Mark is currently the South Jersey Field Editor for The Fisherman magazine and his writing/experience has been used in online and print publications including The Knee Deep Club Monthly Newsletter, Roundvalleyfishing.com, LH Weekly and the Reading Eagle. Mark is currently a member of Lake Hopatcong’s Knee Deep Club and the Rereational Fish Alliance.

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