Dear Editor:

I recently graduated from Rossford’s first Citizens’ Police Academy headed by Police Chief Kitzler, and I cannot recommend it more enthusiastically to any other Rossford resident in the years to come.

Over the eight week course, we took a tour of the station and learned about police policies and their organization, shot tasers, had a SWAT team demonstration and studied clues to a Rossford murder investigation which was super interesting thanks to Lt. Revill.

We also watched high speed car chases and DUI arrests on body cam footage, met Oggie, the RHS therapy dog and his handler, Officer Jodi, and participated in some virtual police training at Penta Career Center where a life-size interactive screen presented potentially dangerous situations including domestic violence and school shooting scenarios where we had to decide what to do and whether to shoot or not shoot our life-like laser pistols. Organizations that connect with the police department to get help for people with addictions, domestic abuse and other problems were brought in to speak to us about their services to the community.

Through this education and contact with many on our police force, we came to know and greatly admire the men and woman who risk life and limb on a daily basis to keep us safe. Defund the police? I don’t think so. When you understand what they do and the personal risks they take to protect us, you will think we should double their salaries.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity next year. Marianne Ferrara