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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER
Bethlehem Catasauqua East Penn Northampton Northwestern Parkland Salisbury Whitehall-Coplay

Local youth learn about different law enforcement agencies at police academy

Published July 11. 2026 09:11AM
by LOU WHEELAND Special to The Press

Both the South Whitehall and Whitehall police summer youth camps met at Covered Bridge Park June 24 to enhance their academy experiences.

The day’s activities included the arrival of a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and motorcycle trooper, a police K-9 demonstration and a visit from the Lehigh County Municipal Emergency Response Team, known as MERT. Also on hand were South Whitehall Township Emergency Management Agency Director Jeff Kelly and South Whitehall Township Fire Marshal John Frantz.

Pennsylvania State Police helicopter Trooper 2 was piloted by Cpl. Ian Lloyd, with Trooper John Rayo serving as copilot. Both men flew helicopters in the military — Lloyd in the Army and Rayo in the Navy. After landing, the troopers explained how the helicopter is used throughout Pennsylvania. Cadets then had the opportunity to view the aircraft up close before its departure. Once airborne, Lloyd flew over the field and activated the helicopter’s siren, much to the cadets’ delight.

Arriving as the helicopter departed was a state police motorcycle operated by Cpl. Jarrett Harvey of Troop M in Bethlehem. Harvey described how motorcycles are used by the Pennsylvania State Police and where they are stationed across the state. He then invited cadets to sit on the motorcycle and pose for photographs.

Next was Yara, a 9-year-old Belgian Malinois K-9 with the Upper Macungie Township Police Department. Yara’s handler is Sgt. David Malischewski. Yara demonstrated her skills by apprehending a “suspect,” portrayed by South Whitehall police officer Brandon McGinnis.

Kelly discussed the role of the Emergency Management Agency and the resources available through the organization. Frantz answered cadets’ questions about firefighting capabilities in South Whitehall Township. Members of the South Whitehall Police Department who serve on the Lehigh County Municipal Emergency Response Team introduced cadets to MERT’s functions and capabilities. Cadets went inside the MERT armored vehicle to learn how it serves as both a transport vehicle and a protective resource for team members.

They also experienced a flash-bang demonstration. The device produces a bright flash and loud bang designed to temporarily disorient individuals who may be holding hostages or barricaded inside a building.

For the remainder of the week, cadets attended classes at each municipality’s police headquarters.

South Whitehall Township community relations officer Sgt. Jason Grozier welcomes both South Whitehall and Whitehall cadets to the outdoor program for the Youth Law Enforcement Academy.
South Whitehall Police Lt. Jared Winkelbauer, a member of the Lehigh County Municipal Emergency Response Team, describes the use of the MERT Emergency Vehicle as SWTPD cadet Conrad Brown, steps down from the top turret. Next in line is Safia Battle.
Pennsylvania State Police motorcycle officer Cpl. Jarrett Harvey allows each cadet to sit on his motorcycle during the Youth Law Enforcement Academy. South Whitehall cadet Mackenzie Brown takes her turn.
South Whitehall Township Police cadets attending the Youth Law Enforcement Academy pose in front of Trooper 2, a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter.
South Whitehall Township Emergency Management Agency coordinator Jeff Kelly describes the function of the EMA to cadets.Additional photos appear on page A6.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDSouth Whitehall Police Lt. Jared Winkelbauer, a member of the Lehigh County Municipal Emergency Response Team, describes the use of the MERT emergency vehicle.
South Whitehall Township Police officer Brandon McGinnis plays a “perpetrator” as Upper Macungie Township K-9 Yara prevents his “escape.”
South Whitehall Township Police officer Kory Lapata displays to cadets a 40 mm tear gas grenade used by the Municipal Emergency Response Team.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDCadets react to the explosive sound of a Flash-Bang device activated by members of the Lehigh County MERT during the Youth Law Enforcement Academy.
Pennsylvania State Police helicopter pilots Trooper John Rayo and Cpl. Ian Lloyd explain the use of the helicopters in the Commonwealth.
Upper Macungie Township Police Sgt. David Malischewski, a K-9 officer, describes how he employs “Yara” a 9 year old Belgian Malamois K-9 during the Youth Law Enforcement Academy.