CFVC Advocates Complete HSPD Citizens Police Academy

Brooke Larson, Det. Greg Bettis, Tommie DeGonzague and Lyndsey Little celebrate the completion of Holly Springs Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy on November 9, 2015.

Three Cherokee Family Violence Center Advocates completed the Holly Springs Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy earlier this week.  The Academy focuses on various aspects of law enforcement over a six week period.  The Advocates and nearly 20 other community members, attended weekly sessions intended to offer a historical perspective of American law enforcement and its current applications.  CFVC’s Family Support Coordinator, Brooke Larson, was one of the three Advocates to complete the Academy.  She offers, “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience.  Each week we focused on a different topic of police work.  We learned about detective work, the use of force, the functions of law enforcement and the daily risks law enforcement face.  The ride along with the police officer was one of the best parts!  He took the time to educate me about his career and what all it entails.”  Fellow Academy graduate and Legal Program Coordinator, Tommie DeGonzague, says her favorite part of the Academy was the gun safety course and adds, “completing the class gave me a better understanding of, and respect for the Holly Springs Police Department.  This experience will improve my advocacy for my clients because I am now better able to explain the role of law enforcement in Domestic Violence response.  Because of the classes, I also have a better working relationship with the officers in Holly Springs.”  Legal Advocate, Lyndsey Little also completed the course and is pictured here, along with Larson, DeGonzague and Detective Greg Bettis of the Holly Springs Police Department.  “The passionate and courageous men and women of the Holly Springs Police Department deserve to be thanked daily and kept safe by our community,” says Larson.  She continues, “Thank you again Holly Springs Police Department.  This was an unbelievable experience for me and I thank you today and every day.”  Congratulations to our Advocates and thanks to the Holly Springs Police Department for dedicating their time and service to our community.