Very Cool Letter From FD To PD Regarding Youth Perception Of Police

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This was posted on the Austin Police Association's website:

http://www.austinpolice.com/pdfs/fire-thanks.pdf

Thought it was pretty cool.

City Of Austin, TX

From: Zenkner, Lance

Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 1:31 AM

To: APD Commanders

Subject: Fire Academy Students

I don't know if you are aware that the Austin Fire Department conducts a fire and medical

academy at LBJ High School [LBJ Fire Academy]. The students go through an application

process to get into the program. It is a two year commitment, their junior and senior

semesters. If they complete this program the will earn a Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Certification and a Department of State Health Services EMT certification. They also receive

college credit for these courses. It is very academically and physically challenging.

The senior class is currently winding up their EMT class and hopes to take the national exam next

month. Part of the EMT program involves sending the students out on EMS ambulances for

rideouts. They will complete 36 hours on EMS ambulances.

The students have been returning from their rounds of weekend rideouts with all war stories of

the new things they saw and did. One theme that has come up on several occasions is seeing

APD officers on scene. They have all been very impressed with the officers they have

encountered. Most have never interacted with a police officer during his/her course of duty.

Several admitted to having a negative perception of the police, mainly due to peer influence or

biased media coverage. They have come to realize the truth about being a police officer. They

commented on the composure and patience of several officers when faced with belligerent or

combative individuals. Many were actually upset and wanted to know how they ever had a

negative opinion of APD.

Seeing your officers in the line of duty has certainly opened these kids eyes to the reality of police

work and how difficult it can be - and the professional manner in which it is done. This is only a

dozen kids but you guys have definitely affected them. I ask them to pass these positive

experiences along to their friends and family. The more the record is set straight, the more it

benefits the community.

I know in my 14 years with AFD, I have encountered hundreds of officers and have nothing but

respect and appreciation for their service.

Thank You and keep up the invaluable work!

Lieutenant Lance Zenkner

Austin Fire Department

Engine Co. 25 / EMT Instructor

5228 Duval Rd

Austin Texas 78759