By Staff Report
Holmes County Sheriff’s Office kicked off its annual Junior Deputy Camp at Northside Assembly of God Church Monday, July 17. The event will close out Wednesday, July 19.
During those three days, campers are learning safety education, enjoying demonstrations from local fire departments and K9 units, and will have the opportunity to get their hands on several emergency vehicles, including patrol cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and a helicopter from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Holmes County Sheriff John Tate says in addition to building a relationship between the youth and first responders, the event also aims to educate children about different roles in public safety – and possibly inspire the next generation of helpers.
‘Pouring into the lives of our children, our future, is part of what public service is all about,’ said Sheriff Tate. ‘There is a lot more to being a deputy or first responder than what you see on t.v. We hope that one of these children may be a future deputy, EMT, firefighter, or eventually, even sheriff.’
Sheriff Tate noted the Junior Deputy Camp was made possible by Northside Assembly of God Church, Bonifay Fire Rescue, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, school resource officers and other volunteers.
Hannah Collins 
GARETT VALCOURT 