About Our Post
The Windsor Police Cadets, established
in 1981, is a diverse community-oriented program, operating year-round under the
direction of the Town of Windsor, its Police Chief, Directors, and Advisors. Its
mission is to develop responsible youth; encourage academic excellence,
leadership, teamwork, and volunteerism; and offer young men and women insight
into the field of law enforcement. The program is supported by the
Windsor Police Cadets, Inc., a non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable organization
under I.R.C. section 501(c)(3).
To be considered for membership, candidates must be at least 11 years of age or
have completed the fifth grade; have displayed exemplary behavior in the
community and at school during the last six months; and have not received any
failing grades on their last report card. Additionally, candidates
must be interviewed and pass a background check. A maximum fifty
members, excluding Senior Cadets, may be registered in the post. While
recruitment initiatives such as “Guest Month” and our Open House are held
annually, candidates may apply year-round. In the event there are
no vacancies, candidates shall be placed on a waiting list.
Once selected, candidates are required to attend a Member Orientation, followed
by their first monthly meeting. Meetings are typically held at the
Windsor Public Safety Complex on the Sunday that falls closest to the 1st of
each month. At meetings, members receive a calendar, which details
upcoming post activities. Additionally, members must successfully
complete a six-month probationary period.
Throughout the year, members participate in a variety of community service
activities, including Chillin’ with the Seniors; Connecticut Masons Child
Identification Program; First Town Downtown’s “White Lights;” Mary’s Place
Family Picnic; National Postal Food Drive; Random Acts of Kindness; and Windsor
Food & Fuel Bank’s Food Drive. Members also prepare meals for the
homeless at the South Park Inn. Additionally, members assist with
traffic and safety at the bike MS: bkm/Steelcase Ride; Connecticut Special
Olympics “Northern Time Trials,” Nightmare on Broad Street; Northwest Park
Country Fair; Shad Derby; Windsor High School’s Project Graduation and Windsor
Warrior Challenge.
While it is not required, most members share an interest in law enforcement. Members receive extensive training in “Active Shooter” Response, Building Search & Felony Response; Disturbance Calls; Domestic Disturbances; D.U.I. Enforcement; Emotionally Disturbed Persons; Felony Traffic Stops; High Stress Scenarios; Officer Safety & Suspicious Persons; P.O.S.T. Fitness Assessment; Post Activity Guidelines, Radio Procedures & Traffic Direction; and Traffic Stop & Suspicious Vehicles. Additionally, members may be certified as American Heart BLS Healthcare Providers.
Eligible members may attend the Cadet Police Academy and/or be selected to
compete at Law Enforcement Stations Day. To do so, candidates must
“qualify” in Firearms; Leadership Reaction & Obstacle Course; Mountain Biking;
and/or Random Stations. Random Stations participants receive
additional training in Crisis Intervention; Felony Traffic Stops; and Search &
Control. Members also assist at the Connecticut SWAT Challenge.
The post provides numerous
academic, leadership, and team-building experiences. “Leadership
in Life”, a program designed to help young adults reach their full potential in
all aspects of life, is available to all members, especially those aspiring to
be Post Officers. Additionally, members receive instruction in
Bicycle Repair. Each spring, Senior Cadets are invited to
chaperone Sage Park Middle School’s Cape Cod Trip. Team-building
activities offered to members include “Drill & Ice;” Outdoor Challenges; and the
Windsor Challenge Course.
Through active participation, members earn a variety of benefits and privileges. For
instance, members may be issued a uniform and equipment and/or obtain college
scholarships. Additionally, eligible members may participate in
ride-alongs and dispatch observations. Members may also be invited
to attend recognition gatherings, including The “First Year Away” Dinner;
Florida Weekend Get-away; Member and Post Photographs; Member Appreciation
Outings; Post Officer Appreciation Outing; and Recognition Ceremony.
In appreciation of volunteer service, members are encouraged to attend socials,
including the Arctic Overnight; Beach Bash; Eastern States Exposition; Glow
Bowling; Hartford Yard Goats Baseball with Fireworks; Haunted Hay Ride; Holiday
Party; Sonny’s Place; Kart Racing and Trampoline Park; Sun-sational Overnight;
University of Hartford Hawks Basketball; and Winter Madness. Socials
provide members with opportunities to interact in a “safe and positive”
environment.
To remain in Good Standing, members must meet attendance, fee and training
requirements; display exemplary behavior in the community, at school, and in the
post; and maintain passing grades in all subjects.
The post depends largely on the support of its sponsors. Our
platinum sponsor is Copy Central. Our gold sponsors include Direct
Mail Systems, Inc and SS&C Technologies, Inc. Our silver sponsors
include the Butler Company; The Hartford; The Spencer Turbine Company; Vantis
Life; and Windsor Federal Savings. Additionally, the post receives
financial support from the Town of Windsor, as well as, a number of local
businesses, civic organizations, and friends. Members also
generate funds through participation in fundraisers, including Bake and Candy
sales; the 1040EZ Run; and Spaghetti Supper.
If you are interested in learning more about the program,, please visit our web site at www.windsorpolicecadets.org. For further inquiries, please contact Sergeant Bernard Petkis at (860) 688-5273 ext. 523 or petkis@townofwindsorct.com.