A group of Staffordshire Police Cadets graduated with pride at a special ceremony at The Kings Hall in Stoke-on-Trent.
Twenty eight members of the Longton unit and thirty members of the Burslem unit were presented with certificates at the prestigious event.
The cadet scheme is a priority for Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Ellis. It aims to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship.
Mr Ellis joined Chief Constable Gareth Morgan to present certificates to the 13 to 17-year-olds from the Burslem and Longton units, which were launched in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Volunteers, who help run the units, were also recognised at the ceremony and presented with certificates by Deputy PCC Sue Arnold and Assistant Chief Constable Nick Adderley.
Mr Ellis said: “I was delighted to attend the Burslem and Longton Cadets attestation. These brilliant young people joined Staffordshire Police Cadets and are really making their way in the world.
‘I can’t believe its three and a half years since I launched the cadets as an election promise and just look at what the police have done and where it is now. What a difference it has made to young people’s lives and I for one, am really proud of what I have seen.’
Cadet Jade Griffiths, 16, from the Longton unit said: ‘This night has meant a lot to me, it has meant I can be with my unit and be sworn in so I feel like a real police cadet and can do Staffordshire justice.’
Danny Cooke, a 14 year-old cadet from the Burslem unit added: ‘My family is very police orientated, so tonight has been very important to me and it’s been amazing to be sworn in as a cadet.’
16 year-old Rhianna Churchman from the Burslem unit, commented: ‘Cadets is like a second family for me and I have had so many different opportunities. I’ve been looking forward to this day for a while and it makes me proud of myself and proud of all my friends who are cadets.’
Businesses are invited to become patrons or sponsors to help fund uniforms and equipment for the cadets. In return for becoming a patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities.
For more details on cadets and the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
