YOUTH CADET LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
HISTORY OF YOUTH CADET LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
The Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program was developed by the Department Safety, Law & Order Committee, in conjunction with the Illinois State Police in a meeting at the State Police Academy in October of 1971.
The primary purpose of the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program is to establish an inter-personal relationship between the youth of our State and Law Enforcement Officers, in order to create a better understanding of the problems and attitudes of both groups, and to develop a rapport between youth and the police.
It is our intention that the youth attending this program need not necessarily be interested in a career in Law Enforcement. In fact, we feel that those youths who do not seem to have vocational or scholastic direction may benefit the most from this program. It is really our desire to recruit the average youth representing all communities and cultural backgrounds in the State of Illinois in an effort to rekindle in our youth the fading respect for persons empowered with the responsibility of enforcing the law at all levels of government.
This goal can be better accomplished by exposing these youths to Law Enforcement with an opportunity to objectively witness the rigid training and standards set forth in law enforcement today. The program gives the participant the opportunity to seek answers to questions that will help them better understand why police officers take certain actions that may directly or indirectly affect them. During this program these youths are each given an opportunity and encouraged to express their feelings and views, both in classroom situations and in the daily informational sessions with their police counselors.
Finally, it is our desire that each youthful participant shall return to their community with a clearer understanding of the police and their problems. We are confident that this program will instill in these youth a new found respect for the police, and that when they return to their communities and friends, they will "tell it like it is."
LAW OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Americans in recent years have been experiencing an unprecedented crime wave which has permeated all States and neighborhoods in our country, and crime is rapidly becoming America’s foremost domestic problem. The Preamble of the Constitution of The American Legion includes as one of its objectives.......“to maintain Law and Order”. As concerned citizens and veterans, Legionnaires have always fostered a strong sense of law and order and have upheld the protection of American citizens and the American way of life. They have always held law enforcement agencies in the highest regard and many Posts and Departments already recognize outstanding law enforcement officers of various jurisdictions who daily serve our communities and frequently lay their lives on the line.
The purpose of this instruction is to specify the guidelines, eligibility criteria and application requirements for selection and presentation of a National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. The major purpose of this award, is to encourage the further development of Department and Post Law and Order Committees in all Divisions in recognition of law enforcement officers by Posts, Divisions and the Department Headquarters of The American Legion.
FIRE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR
The Safety, Law and Order Committee, with a mandate by Resolution from The Department Convention in 2004, have established the following guidelines for a Department Firefighter of the Year Award. As we join the ranks of other departments promoting this award, our hope is to have this become a National Award soon.
The purpose of this instruction is to specify the guidelines, eligibility criteria and application requirements for selection and presentation of a Firefighter of the Year Award. The major purpose of this award, is to encourage the further development of Department and Post Safety, Law and Order Committees in all Divisions in recognition of Firefighters by Posts, Divisions and the Department Headquarters of The American Legion.
Law Enformcement Officer & Firefighter of the Year Awards
To Division Chairperson
Turn in nominations to department for same year consideration at Department Convention.
Committee Meeting
Committee meets and selects winner. Winner will be notified to assure attendance at Department Convention
Selection and Department Award
Committee will select winners and present awards at Department Convention. If the committee feels the winner is a strong candidate for national recognition, a file will be submitted to National for following year consideration.
Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Academy
To Division Chairperson
Local American Legion Posts sponsor youth Ages 15-17, Male or Female, that have an interest in law enforcement.
Applications are due to Division Chairman by May 31
Committee Meeting
Committee validates qualifications of applicant attendees and coordinates the program schedule.
Session at Camp Lincoln
The week long academy is held the third week of June at Camp Lincoln. See the application for this years specific dates.
MEMBERS
Chairman: Wayne Madson
Vice Chairman: Charles F. Coffey
Members:
- Cheyenne Woodard '24
- Charles F. Coffey '24
- Amanda Congdon '24
- Annette Tincher '25
- Wayne V. Madson '25