This Summer Camp Has Handcuffs, Fire Hose and K-9 Cops

Sixteen Upper Macungie Township teenagers are in the midst of learning police and fire and law enforcement techniques at the 2013 Junior Emergency Services Academy at Upper Macungie Station 56.

The program is partially funded by donations with the remaining of the money coming from the Upper Macungie Bureau of Fire, according to Fire Commissioner Grant Grim.

"Teaching is what we're doing," Grim said. "We're getting more education done, as this is a smaller group." The limit for the program is 30, but turnout was less this year since the dissolution of the Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Department.

Thursday morning, the students were split into two groups -- one learning CPR and how to use a defibrillator. Another group spent time in a home simulator and crawled out of the building as it filled with smoke. 

Earlier, a dog trained in sniffing out flammable materials gave a demonstration.

On Monday, the students learned about K-9 patrols, personal safety/handcuffing techniques, the criminal justice system and motorcycle patrol from the Upper Macungie Police Department.

On Tuesday, classes were held on the Lehigh County MERT team (Municipal Emergency Response Team), criminal investigation/evidence collection, firearms safety, mounted patrols and cyber crime.

Wednesday's agenda included CPR/First Aid, fire prevention, use of a thermal imaging camera, turnout gear, fire extinguisher training and fire hose drag.

On Friday, the students will put all of this knowledge together in a police, fire and EMS challenge to put the skills they've learned throughout the week into practice. 

Lunches during the week were provided by donations from local Wendy's, Pizza Hut and Subway restaurants. Friday's barbecue food is being donated by Heep's Meats.