Olean, NY – May 25, 2022 – The CA BOCES CTE Center at Olean was the recent host for the 2022 “Cop Camp” held at the William O. Smith Recreation Center in Olean.
Cop Camp is an annual event that focuses on career exploration for students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at CA BOCES. As part of the event, representatives from a number of agencies in the law enforcement/military sector provide presentations on their respective fields and highlight the education and experience that is required for each. Additionally, representatives share their candid experiences in the field and meet in small groups with students to answer questions. Scholarships and Awards are also distributed to local students.
Tim Emley, Criminal Justice Instructor at the CTE Center at Olean and the event organizer, said he was pleased with the event and grateful for the support shown from the law enforcement/military community. “Representatives from a number of agencies travelled long distances to meet with our students who are considering careers in law enforcement,” he said. “That sort of up-close-and-personal feedback is so important as students make decisions about their futures.”
Representatives from the following agencies participated: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Cattaraugus County District Attorney, NYS Forest Rangers, NYS Troopers, NYS University Police, Cattaraugus County Probation, U.S. Customs & Border Patrol, K9, NYS Corrections, Cattaraugus County Corrections, U.S. Secret Service, FBI, City of Olean Police Department, Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department, Cattaraugus County Dispatch, NYS Trooper Crime Scene Investigation, National Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and ROTC St. Bonaventure.
Three officials who have been with the program for nearly 20 years received awards of appreciation. Correctional Superintendent Christopher Yehl of the Wende State Prison Correctional facility, Lt. Tim Flanagan of the NYS Forest Ranger Division and Deputy Robert “Bob” Renfrette, a long time K-9 officer were recognized for their commitment and dedication toward the program and assisting young potential Law Enforcement students get a jump on their careers. Each official was given an appreciation certificate along with a 2022 Cop Camp t-shirt.
As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services.