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Popular River Vale Junior Police Academy Class Graduating

RIVER VALE, N.J. -- A record-tying River Vale Junior Police Academy Class will be graduated Monday night at Florentine Gardens.

Last year's River Vale Junior Police Academy graduates.

Last year's River Vale Junior Police Academy graduates.

Photo Credit: COURTESY: River Vale Police Sgt. John DeVoe

The Class of 2015 boasts a "remarkable" 158 recruits, matching last year's enrollment, said Detective Sgt. John DeVoe.

DeVoe coordinates the popular program along with a team of instructors who include Officers Dino Dinelli, Valeri and John Guglielmotti, Jared Arcidiacono, William MacRae and Josh Wisse, assisted by Sgt. Gary Blumenthal and Detective Peter Martin.

The 10-week academy provides "an avenue through which recruits can learn about their local police department and the criminal justice system at large," DeVoe said.

It's "proven to be a valuable experience for all involved and has provided a vital link between the police department and the youth of River Vale," the sergent said.

It also gives the youngsters "a deeper understanding of the police function, as well as an increased ability to see what the police and the community can do to serve the township," he said.

Youngsters receive instruction from department members and colleagues from local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Classes are held on Monday evenings at the Holdrum Middle School and include both theoretical and practical lessons in a variety of areas. Recuits also go on trips to other law enforcement agencies.

The Paramus Police Department Honor Guard and the Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County will participate.

Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony, which begins at 7:30 p.m., with recruits ordered to arrive no later than 6 p.m. and doors opening at 7. Florentine Gardens is located at 97 Rivervale Road.

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