Popular Citizens Academy set to begin next month

Applications are now being accepted for those interested in participating in the White Lake Township Citizens Academy.

Geared towards residents and business people in the community, the 13-week program gives people the opportunity to experience first-hand the inner-workings of the township’s police and fire departments, as well as day-to-day operations of the community, the township announced.

The first class is scheduled to meet on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. While the first class is being held on a Wednesday, the rest of the sessions — which will last roughly three hours each — will be held every Thursday after that.

Police Chief Edward Harris said that the program started in 2004 and that as the Citizens Academy has progressed, “interest has really taken off.”

Sometimes there are waiting lists of 15-20 people for the academy, which officials try to limit to around 25 participants each time.

“We are very proud of the Citizens Academy,” Harris said.

Participants can expect presentations from township officials and public safety personnel. Hands-on training in a wide variety of police and fire operations are included as part of the academy training.

The township stresses that space for the free program is limited and openings tend to fill up quickly. Interested applications are advised to register as soon as possible.

Registration is required. Interested individuals should call the Police Department at (248) 698-1042.