For most teenagers, room inspections and 5:30 a.m. wakeup calls are not on the summer vacation agenda. But at Camp Ripley this week, both are part of the routine for 19 young people experiencing life as a Minnesota State Patrol Cadet.
The High School Cadet Academy is a one week opportunity for teens from across the state to experience a small sample of the physical and mental challenges the patrol's training program serves up.
For the State Patrol, it's a chance to assess potential candidates, who have expressed an interest in the law enforcement field. "Honestly, the patrol is looking for the opportunity to recruit young individuals, and get them interested in law enforcement work", says Lieutenant Jeff Gladfelter.
Tuesday's schedule brought the cadets to a remote firing range, where they learned how to safely shoot the same firearms used by actual troopers in the line of duty. Some of the young people have extensive shooting experience, while others, like Duluth's Natasha Sam, were complete rookies. After a bit of apprehension, she coolly squeezed off a number of rounds from an M-16.
Sam is more excited than ever about a career in law enforcement, a fact that underscores the academy's effectiveness. Seven troopers currently on the Minnesota State Patrol roster are graduates of the high school summer program.
(Copyright 2005 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
