Twelve residents of Radnor Township complete program now in its 7th year

Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer, Delaware County Director of Emergency Services Timothy Boyce, and Delaware County 1st Assistant District Attorney Tanner Rouse were honored to join Radnor Township Board of Commissioners Jim Riley (Ward 4) and Moira Mulroney (Ward 5), and Radnor Township Manager William M. White on April 9 for the annual Radnor Township Citizen’s Police Academy graduation ceremony.

Now in its 7th year, the Citizen’s Police Academy offers a dynamic 9-week program that combines classroom and practical instruction in law enforcement fundamentals, aimed at enhancing community-police relations.

This year, twelve Cadets—Michael Brunswick, Jillian Buck, Mia Carpenter, Stacy Clarck, Barbara Cobb, Ena Fountain, Candy Neely, David and Janie Partridge, Neal Saswal, Daniel Shalev, and Lisa Woodcock—graduated in the presence of friends, family, and local officials. Speakers at the ceremony included Council Member Schaefer, First Assistant DA Rouse, Delaware County communications dispatchers, and members of the Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT).

The twelve new graduates bring the total number of members to over 125 since the program was formed in 2015.

“Fostering strong bonds between law enforcement and the community is pivotal to building mutual respect and enhancing community well-being,” said County Council Member Schaefer. “The Radnor Citizen’s Police Academy serves as a great model. We extend our deepest gratitude to Superintendent Flanagan, Sergeant McHale, the entire Radnor Police Department, and all the Cadets for their unwavering commitment. Their dedication is instrumental in enhancing our public safety and strengthening the fabric of our community connections.”

Throughout the 9-week course, participants engaged in hands-on scenarios ranging from domestic abuse responses to routine traffic stops, and even simulated crime scene investigations using real investigative tools. Cadets also had the opportunity to meet Radnor Police Officers and participate in ride-alongs during patrols. This immersive experience is designed to deepen understanding of day-to-day police operations and foster stronger community ties.

“We’re so proud of this program, and the graduates this year did an amazing job,” said Chief Flanagan, who has overseen the Academy since its inception. “The Citizens Police Academy is more than just a training course; it's a vital bridge that connects the police force with the community we serve. Each session, whether it's about tactical procedures or legal frameworks, not only educates but also opens channels for ongoing dialogue and transparency in policing.

Graduates are afforded the opportunity to join Radnor’s Citizens Police Organization, which supports the Township at various events, including MusicFest, Villanova University’s Commencement and Championship Celebrations, and Township holiday parades, all on a volunteer basis.

The County Council extends its congratulations to the graduates of the Radnor Township Citizens Police Academy's 2024-07 Class! For a closer look at the graduates in action and to share in the excitement of the academy, we invite you to watch a fun video highlighting this year's graduating class on the Radnor Township official YouTube channel.