Youth Public Safety Academy wraps up third week

Waltham’s Edmund “Teddy” Elliot was among more than 70 cadets who stepped into the shoes of public safety professionals as the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office hosted the third week of its 2026 Youth Public Safety Academy.

The July 20-24 session drew youths from across Middlesex County, primarily Bedford, Belmont, Billerica, Newton, Waltham and Watertown. Cadets took part in activities on law enforcement, fire safety and emergency preparedness, watched the sheriff’s office K-9 unit at work and joined team-building exercises.

Guests included the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, which taught cadets about insects and agriculture; the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which discussed bicycle safety; and the Lowell Health Department, which covered summer safety and hydration.

“Every week, it’s incredible to watch these young people step outside their comfort zones, support one another and discover all they are capable of,” Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian said. “YPSA is about more than learning about public safety. It’s about building confidence, developing leadership skills and creating memories.”

Academy Director Meghan Lee credited counselors, staff and community partners. “Our staff and partners are the heart of this program,” she said.

The week closed with a graduation ceremony attended by local officials, including Waltham Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy and Waltham police Capt. Anthony Vasquez.

The academy offers five one-week sessions for county residents ages 8-12, with teens 13-15 serving as counselors-in-training. Information at middlesexsheriff.org.

Cadets from Belmont, Newton, Waltham and Watertown were joined by Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, Special Sheriff Amoroso Cefalo, Governor’s Councilor Mara Dolan, Belmont Police Chief Shane Smith, Waltham Police Capt. Anthony Vasquez, Waltham Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy and Watertown Police Capt. Daniel Unsworth, among others. Edmund Elliot is in the first row, fourth from the left. Photo from the Middlesex Sheriff’s office.