Behind the Badge
Of all the topics covered throughout the Fullerton Police Department’s 10-week Citizens’ Academy, every participant had a favorite.
The academy exposed ordinary citizens to every aspect of the department, from the detective bureau, to patrol, to the gang detail, to dispatch.
But regardless of which session they liked best, the consensus of all 14 graduates, who were given certificates in an informal ceremony in the Mural Room on Wednesday, was that they have a greater understanding of what their police department does every day.
“Throughout the 10 weeks, we tried to show you about the inner workings of the department,” Sgt. Jon Radus told the graduates at the Nov. 30 ceremony. “We really did our best to try to bring you into our world.”
Raymond Nelson receives his Citizens’ Police Academy certificate. With him are Fullerton Interim Police Chief David Hinig, left, Capt. Scott Rudisil, CSO Juanita Juarez and Sgt. Jon Radus.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Graduate Audrey DalSoglio, who recently earned a degree in Administration of Justice from Fullerton College, said the academy “strengthened my admiration and respect for law enforcement.”
“I wanted to learn everything from the ground up,” said DalSoglio, who plans to attend Cal State Fullerton and major in criminal justice. “This has been an awesome experience and I will highly encourage anyone in Fullerton to attend a future academy.”
Academy members truly got a feel for split-second decisions faced by officers when they got to try out the FPD’s virtual shooting simulator, a piece of high-tech equipment that presents officers with real-life situations where use of force could be an option.
Participants also got an up-close view of the high-stress world of 911 dispatchers, referred to as the “first, first responders” by lead dispatcher Cesar Navarro.
Fullerton Police RSVP John Kunselman addresses the graduates of the Citizen’s Police Academy class of 14 on Wednesday.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
They chatted with detectives and met K9s.
They went on ridealongs and learned about the gang unit.
Jim Satterberg said he wasn’t sure what to expect when he signed up for the academy.
Now he wants to do volunteer work for the department.
“I was really impressed with the enthusiasm of the officers,” Satterberg said.
Academy graduate Raymond Nelson said he appreciated every presentation, but was particularly awed by the dispatchers.
Gloria Milhan, right, smiles as she receives her Citizen’s Police Academy certificate from Fullerton PD’s CSO Juanita Juarez.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Nelson also plans to pass along a suggestion to the City Council.
“I’m going to attend a City Council meeting and suggest that every single council member take the class.”
Newly appointed Interim Chief David Hinig thanked the graduates for their commitment and said they are now part of the FPD family.
“You really dedicated yourself to something,” Hinig said. “It’s a milestone and a huge commitment on your part.”
