Three‑day Junior Academy gives Bonifay youth firsthand look at public safety careers

The 2026 Bonifay Police & Fire‑Rescue Junior Academy concluded last week after three days of hands‑on training, demonstrations, and public‑safety education for local youth. The academy, open to ages 7–15, introduced participants to a range of law‑enforcement and fire‑rescue skills through demonstrations led by the Bonifay Police Department, Bonifay Fire‑Rescue, and multiple partner agencies.

The first day focused on police operations, with trainees learning how officers conduct traffic stops, communicate with dispatch, and assess situations during calls for service. Partner agencies provided additional demonstrations, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which offered a patrol‑boat tour and allowed students to hold a baby alligator; the Florida Highway Patrol, which helped participants create their own badges and gave tours of patrol vehicles; Holmes County Corrections, which demonstrated scent‑tracking with two dogs; and the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, which introduced K9 Kimber and showed how law‑enforcement dogs locate hidden items inside buildings. Officials said the goal was to give students a realistic look at the responsibilities of modern law enforcement.

Bonifay Fire‑Rescue led the second day, introducing students to search‑and‑rescue techniques, drone operations, vehicle‑extrication tools, CPR basics, and fire‑truck operations. Participants also practiced spraying water and took a ride in Engine 1. Instructors emphasized teamwork, safety, and problem‑solving throughout the day’s activities.

The final day allowed trainees to apply what they learned through search‑and‑rescue scenarios, hands‑on vehicle‑extrication tool demonstrations, and traffic‑stop exercises that included simulated foot pursuits. Students also toured Walton Air Rescue before attending a graduation ceremony, where each participant received a certificate recognizing completion of the program.

Bonifay Police Department and Bonifay Fire‑Rescue officials thanked all partner agencies for contributing to the academy’s success and commended the students for their enthusiasm and hard work.