October 30, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 7 Ridgewood Police launch new youth program in village This month, the Ridgewood Police Department held the first meeting of its new Community Policing Youth Ambassa- dor Program at Benjamin Franklin Middle School. The meeting was attended by 18 young residents representing the elemen- tary schools, middle school, and the high school, along with several parents and school and police officials. The program is a community policing partnership with the Ridgewood Board of Education, focusing on leadership and youth engagement in community and public safety concerns. These young residents will be part of an active community polic- ing advisory team consulting directly with Police Chief John Ward, police personnel, school officials, and village personnel on public safety and community concerns. Youth ambassadors will have the oppor- tunity to: • Help make the community a safer place to live, learn, play, and work. • Be a voice in matters/concerns that directly or indirectly impact the youth of the community, such as anti-bullying, tol- erance, and respect. • Assist the police department with com- munity outreach and educational programs for crime prevention, community policing, pedestrian/traffic safety, and other mat- ters. • Have input and involvement in the development and content of public safety/ awareness videos that would reach varied audiences. • Help forge a collaborative partnership between Ridgewood’s youth and various Chief John Ward with Honorary Police Chief Michael Feeney Students confer with Chief John Ward public officials and agencies that serve the community and the region. • Learn and experience team building and project management, and help develop interpersonal skills of collaboration, com- munication, cooperation, leadership, and active listening. • Demonstrate to their peers and others that individuals are never too young to develop the leader within and make a dif- ference. The issues and concerns the ambassa- dors will be addressing are real and have an impact on the community and region. They will be working with other students, police, school and other public officials to find innovative solutions to current and future challenges. Honorary Police Chief Michael Feeney will continue his duties for the Ridgewood Police Department as a critical member of the Youth Ambassador team. Chief Ward and BF School Assistant Principal Gregory Wu will be coordinat- ing the effort and serving as the program advisors.