Program shows you quality of C.R. police

I just finished the 10-week course in the Cedar Rapids Citizens Police Academy, a program open to all residents.

The academy is a great way to let Cedar Rapidians see firsthand the quality of our police department. The 30 members of our class got to interact with everyone, from Chief Greg Graham to the people working in the 911 center. They were professional, courteous and informative, answering any question we could think of. This class gave us exposure to internal affairs, criminal investigation, driving cars, the shooting range, a prison tour, the K-9 unit, gun safety, bomb disposal and many things in between. I highly recommend this experience for others.

I want to especially thank Sgt. Cristy Hamblin for all the extra work and hours she devoted to our class.

As residents, we take the safety and security we enjoy every day for granted, not realizing that a team of more than 200 people in the police department protect and serve the city. There also is a group of unsung heroes in the department's volunteers worth noting.

We are fortunate that Cedar Rapids has some of the best medical facilities and schools and a top-notch police department.

Gary Langhurst

Cedar Rapids