During a special presentation at the June 19 Homestead City Council meeting, Councilman Elvis R. Maldonado awarded certificates of recognitions to a number of Homestead Police Department officers for their support and participation in this year’s Kids and the Power of Work Program (KAPOW) City of Homestead field trip.
During two different field trips on May 8 and May 16 Councilman Maldonado, the Homestead Education Committee and the Homestead Police Department hosted about 100 children from fifth and sixth grade who participated in this year’s KAPOW program. The students had the opportunity to learn about municipal government work by touring different departments in the City of Homestead, including Homestead Energy Services, Parks and Recreation and the Homestead Police Department. At the Police station, students not only enjoyed a K-9 demonstration but they also witnessed a series of educational skits to prepare them for real life situations they may encounter throughout their lives. The skits were written and performed by the Homestead Police officers who were recognized by Councilman Maldonado.
“The Homestead Police Department has always been a proponent of education and this time they really took an extra step to become involved in creating and performing educational skits that these children will never forget’” said Councilman Maldonado, Liaison to the Homestead Education Committee. “I am so proud of our Homestead Police Department and the time they continually dedicate to educate, and prepare our young children. Children are our future and as parents and teachers we need to prepare them as much as we can.”
Councilman Maldonado awarded certificates of appreciation for this year’s KAPOW field trip experience to Police Chief Alexander E. Rolle, Captain Angela Washington, Captain William Rea, Sergeant Tommy Surman, Sergeant Raymond DeJohn, Detective Lewis Hosch, Detective Garland Wright, Officer Robbie Tate, Officer Eileen Calvo, Officer Anthony Green, Officer John Holmes, Officer Tyrone Edwards, Officer Francisco Melo, Officer Ryan Khawly, Officer Gabrielle Leal, Detective Phil Harris, Detective Jesus Velazquez, Dispatcher Cami Sanchez, Victim Advocate Flor Arzuaga, Code Enforcement Officer Theresa Pickles, and Correction Officer Juan Herrera. Special thanks went to Officer Connie Smith who worked alongside Councilman Maldonado and other officers in preparing the special skit for the children. Thanks to the Homestead K-9 Unit, Lieutenant Tommy Pritchett and K-9 Ory, Sergeant Tony Traad and K-9 Boomer, Officer Brian Kennedy and K-9 Turbo, Officer John Monaco and K-9 King, and Officer Luis Devarona and K-9 Bolo, for their entertaining and educational demonstration.
KAPOW seeks to inspire and educate elementary school children about work and working
through partnerships among businesses, communities and schools, and lays a foundation for young students introducing them to work related concepts and experiences continually reinforced through their formative years.
