Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
Forty-one children spent part of their summer learning firsthand what it takes to serve a community through law enforcement, graduating from the 2026 Millbrook Police Junior Police Academy after completing two separate weeklong sessions at Millbrook Middle School.
Twenty-one cadets completed the first session, followed by 20 in the second. Throughout the academy, participants took part in physical training, teamwork exercises and mental challenges while learning about leadership, responsibility and the many roles of modern law enforcement.
The academy was led by Capt. Stephen Youngblood Jr., School Resource Officer Lt. Matt Henson and School Resource Officer Cpl. Kristen White.
Throughout both sessions, cadets participated in hands-on demonstrations highlighting several aspects of police work. They learned about crime scene investigations, building-clearing techniques, self-defense, vehicle searches, evidence collection and character development. During the second session, cadets also watched live Taser and OC spray demonstrations.
Volunteering for the Taser demonstrations were Millbrook Middle School teachers Brenda Broderick and Kailea Floyd. Teisha Chaney volunteered for the OC spray demonstration.
“I survived middle school, but that Taser almost had me reconsider some of my life choices,” Floyd joked after volunteering for the demonstration.
“The Millbrook Police Department is proud to announce the successful completion of our 2026 Junior Police Academy,” said Capt. Stephen Youngblood. “This year’s program featured two full classes of enthusiastic students, each participating in a weeklong academy designed to provide an engaging, hands-on introduction to the law enforcement profession.
“Throughout the week, students learned about many aspects of policing through interactive demonstrations and practical exercises, including traffic stops, impaired driving investigations, live Taser and OC pepper spray demonstrations, and K-9 operations. These experiences gave participants a unique opportunity to better understand the responsibilities, challenges and rewards of serving their community as law enforcement officers.
“Corporal White, Lieutenant Henson and I truly enjoy the opportunity to teach and mentor these outstanding young people each year. We are especially grateful to every officer who volunteered their time and expertise to help make this year’s academy a success. Their dedication and willingness to invest in our community’s youth are greatly appreciated.
“We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Chief Johnson, Mayor Al Kelley, the Millbrook City Council and the Punishers LEMC Three Rivers for their continued support of this program. Their partnership helps make the Junior Police Academy possible each year.
“We are already looking forward to welcoming our next group of future leaders in 2027. The Junior Police Academy is open to students entering grades 5 through 8, and we encourage eligible students to join us for another exciting and educational experience next summer.”
During each graduation ceremony, Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson administered the Junior Police Officer Oath, in which cadets pledged to obey the law, assist fellow citizens and remember the principle, “If you see something, say something.” Millbrook City Council President Michael Gay and Councilman Chris Bath attended both ceremonies.
Johnson said the academy is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community, not to recruit future officers.
“These camps are not about recruiting our young people into law enforcement,” Johnson said. “It’s about building positive relationships with our community and the people that we serve. What better place to start than with our young people? The cadets learned about law enforcement, but more importantly, they got to know the officers who serve their community, and we got to know them.”
“I could tell they were sharp, attentive and had a great time throughout the academy,” Johnson said. “I want to thank all of the cadets from Classes 2026-1 and 2026-2 for spending part of their summer with us, as well as their parents for entrusting them to our care. I also appreciate the continued support of Mayor Al Kelley, the Millbrook City Council, Punishers LEMC Three Rivers, the Elmore County Child Partnership SOAR Program, the Elmore County Board of Education, Millbrook Middle School, Central Alabama Police K9, Pines Golf Course and the Millbrook Street Department. Special thanks go to Capt. Stephen Youngblood Jr., Lt. Matt Henson, Cpl. Kristen White and the many Millbrook police officers who helped make both academy sessions a success. Congratulations to all of our junior police officers.”
The Millbrook Police Department plans to offer the Junior Police Academy again in spring 2027. Information about registration will be posted on the Millbrook Middle School Facebook page at: https://facebook.com/mustangpridecatchit.
