The Ossining Youth Bureau was founded in 2020 and the Public Safety Civilian Academy was established this year.  A six-week program tailor-made for the youth residents of Ossining, offering them a unique opportunity to look deeper into the workings of the Public Safety Department.  

The Civilian Academy is not just about understanding the Public Safety Department, it’s about exploring potential careers in this field. Youth will see exactly what the police, fire, and EMT departments do

and how they achieve their role. As a result, they will be better equipped to assess safety issues and share their knowledge of law enforcement practices and policies. This teaches youth what it means to be a first responder and help out in the Ossining community. Best of all, this program and other programs by the Youth Beruu are free! 

We spent many sessions at the Police Department located on Spring Street, where two dedicated officers guided us throughout the entire six-week program. They began by giving us a tour of the department, including the jail cells, which gave us a better understanding of their daily operations. To attend each session, we were required to create official ID cards, adding to the immersive experience.

During the sessions, we explored various aspects of police work, such as learning about tasers and practicing specific techniques with each other. One particularly interesting lesson was fingerprinting, where we learned how to take and analyze fingerprints—skills often used to solve crimes or meet general identification requirements. Group discussions were a significant part of our time with the Police Department. These conversations provided a platform for us to ask questions, interact with the officers, and share our plans for future careers.My favorite part of the police department was the hands-on activities, especially the VR taser exercise. In this activity, we were placed in a virtual reality crime scene where tasering was required. We got to control the simulation, issuing commands like “Put your hands in the air!” It felt like a video game but with an educational focus, as the officers guided us through proper procedures. This combination of learning and interactive fun made the experience both memorable and engaging.

At the EMS department sessions, our primary objective was to develop essential skills for responding to medical emergencies, with a focus on CPR, understanding how to assess medical situations, and correctly seeking medical attention. During the first two sessions, we practiced CPR techniques using training dummies. This included learning the correct hand placement for performing CPR and addressing different scenarios, such as choking or cardiac arrest. These hands-on exercises allowed us to simulate real-life medical emergencies effectively. We also practiced wound care by learning how to apply gauze to cuts. To make this exercise more realistic, the dummies had simulated blood in their limbs, giving us a clear visual of how to manage injuries in a real-world setting. Additionally, we were taught how to use a tourniquet, an important tool for stopping severe bleeding in emergency situations.As part of the program, the EMS volunteers provided a tour of their facilities, including the inside of ambulance vehicles and the department house where overnight shifts and team meetings take place. This gave us valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of emergency medical services.

In the final session, we watched instructional videos on CPR, reviewed the techniques we had practiced on adult and infant dummies, and consolidated everything we had learned. These activities not only reinforced our understanding of CPR but also helped us gain a broader perspective on managing medical emergencies.

One of the highlights of the program for me was the hands-on training with dummies, as it allowed me to experience what responding to medical emergencies might feel like. I particularly enjoyed learning about CPR and wound management, as it gave me practical tools that could one day help save lives. The EMS volunteers also provided valuable information on how to become a member of the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps (OVAC), offering a pathway for those interested in contributing to their community as EMS volunteers.

Overall, the EMS department provided an engaging and educational experience, equipping us with critical lifesaving skills and exposing us to the vital role of emergency medical services in our community.

Lastly, we visited the fire department. Although we had fewer sessions here compared to the EMS and Police departments due to the limited hands-on activities, the experience was still informative and engaging. We were given a tour of the fire truck, where we learned about its key components, including the fire hose, wrench, and other essential firefighting tools. In addition to the tour, we watched educational videos that demonstrated how to stop a fire and what steps to take in case of a fire emergency. This provided us with valuable knowledge about fire safety and prevention.

At the end of the 6-week Civilian Academy program, I had the opportunity to interview the group leader, Jefrey Santos, about the program and its mission. When asked if he enjoys his work, he replied, “Yes, I enjoy my line of work because I get the opportunity to help young individuals in the community.”

For advice to teenagers, he encouraged us to “Push hard and put your best foot forward!”

He explained that the primary goal of the Ossining Youth Bureau is to foster youth growth and development by promoting education, well-being, civic participation, and a sense of community.

The Bureau organizes year-round and seasonal programs, such as:

• OYES: After-school program for middle schoolers
• Water Safety Program: Swimming lessons for ages 1-18
• STEM: Hands-on projects that build problem-solving skills
• Youth Council: A platform for youth voices
• Grandpas United: Volunteer mentorship for youth
• Community Service Program: Volunteer opportunities for giving back

Seasonal programs include:

• Environmental Leaders of Color: Education on climate change and solutions
• Leadership Program: Reducing underage drinking while promoting youth development
• Summer Youth Employment Program: Job readiness and work placements
• Project 42 Sports Program: Competitive sports for teens
• VITA: Free basic tax return preparation

Jefrey’s passion for empowering youth through meaningful programs was truly inspiring!