The first inaugural Citizens Academy took place this fall with the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department and Johnston Police Department. The Academy focused on educating participants about police officers' and firefighters' roles within our governmental operations.
The Academy certainly increased awareness and participants could see firsthand the mental, physical and emotional aspects required to perform the job. The 10-week Academy is a series of professionally-led workshop sessions designed to familiarize residents with the City of Johnston and the services it provides.
During the 10-week Academy, participants were instructed on topics related to the following.
Police
- Calls for Service (Response)
- Community Policing
- Traffic Enforcement and Tactical Operations (Participants perform a mock traffic stop)
- Justice System
- Crime Scene Management
- Investigation Press and Evidence
- Crime Lab
- Investigations
- Community Policing
- De-escalation Processes
- K9 Operations
- Firearms Simulator Scenarios
- School Resource Officers
- Community Affairs Coordinator’s Focus on Building Relationships
Fire
- Administration
- Fire Operations within the Department
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Smoke Trailer
- Using Extrication Equipment – Spreaders, Cutters and Cribbing
- Forcible Door Entry
- Special Operations
- Operating Fire Hoses
- Hands-On Demonstrations
- Protective Clothing and SCBA
- Calls for Service and Emergency Response
The classes were offered one night a week from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. for 10 weeks, with the first five weeks with police and the last five weeks as fire. The next Academy class dates will be shared in early 2023. Information will be shared on the police and fire department's social media channels and on the city website.
Members of the Citizens Academy Class 1 included:
- Paula Dierenfeld, Johnston Mayor
- Jim Evans, Johnston City Council Member
- Laurie Dephillips, Grimes City Council Member
- Steve Quiner, Financial Advisor
- Tom Hudson, Owner of Crossroads
- Megan Jones, Hy-Vee Assistant City Manager of Health, Wellness and Home
- Jim Sanders, Former Johnston City Administrator
- Derek Tidball, Johnston Community School District Board Member
- Maddy VanderLinden, City of Johnston Communications Specialist
- Janet Wilwerding, City of Johnston Communications Manager
- Prakash Kopparapu, Johnston resident