Elementary Atoms Welcome and Salute Guest Speakers

Friday, April 29th, 2022—Utica Academy of Science elementary school students welcome and salute their guest speakers, Reginald Sanders, Josh Sweet, and Al Castilla from the City of Utica, NY Police Department!

During their visit, the Atoms learned many new facts about the police department, the roles and responsibilities of being a police officer, and police vehicles. They also met a beloved member of their K-9 unit, Officer Varick! The City of Utica Police Department comprises over 160 sworn members and has a paramilitary ranking system, including its patrol division, criminal investigation division, and administrative division. In addition to helping serve the community from a law enforcement side, officers are involved in community-related events to build harmony and community goodwill. Some events include Shop with A Cop, community readers, Pathways to Justice Junior Academy, volunteering at Hope House, and the Rescue Mission.

To conclude their presentation, the officers introduced the Atoms to another member of their unit, Officer Varick, a beloved team member of the K-9 unit! Officer Varick specializes in and is certified in NYS Narcotic Scent Detection. Students had an opportunity to come up and pet Officer Varick and have their pictures taken with him.

Thank you, Reginald Sanders, Josh Sweet, Al Castilla, and Officer Varick, for taking time out of your schedule to come and speak with the Utica Academy of Science elementary school Atoms. We appreciate and thank you for your commitment to helping to serve the community, for being a first responder, and for keeping everyone safe.