CHIEF RAMER poses with new YIPI graduate and his family. Photos by Tom Godfrey.
Police Chief James Ramer, City and Toronto Police Services Board officials were on hand to present 113 ecstatic and deserving students with graduation certificates from a youth in policing program.
The gymnasium at the Toronto Police College, on Birmingham Street, was packed last August 26 as the students celebrated the 16th anniversary of the highly-successful Toronto Police Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) summer graduation.
THE CHIEF chats with YIPI grad, many who plans to go into the military or law enforcement.
The eight-week program recognized 113 high school students, aged between 15 and 18, who represented 31 at-risk neighbourhoods in the city.
“Students were assigned to various units and divisions throughout our service,” Ramer said. “They gained job experience and life skills through their work with officers and members of the community.”
The students and officers were all smiles as they took selfies with colleagues and police to mark their graduation. Many plan to enter law enforcement or the military after school.
Staff Sgt. Brian Urkosky said the students were exposed to working with police, the public and in different communities.
PROUD YIPI GRAD with counsellor who helped him motivate for the task.
“They have very bright futures planned,” Urkosky said. “Many plan to continue in law enforcement.”
Graduate Emmanuel Wegayeh was beaming as he showed his certificate.
“It was a good course that will help me as I work to become a lawyer,” Wegayeh said. “I also made a lot of friends who have the same interest.”
Stephany Oji, 17, proudly showed her certificate to her assembled family and friends.
“I enjoy policing and plan to go into that career,” Oji said. “I plan to go into the military and then into policing.”
YIPI is part of the Government of Ontario’s Youth Opportunities Strategy to build stronger communities by establishing and expanding community programs that help youth achieve a brighter future.
SOME OF the 113 YIPI graduation students.
The teens represented 31 neighbourhoods including: Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown; Elms-Old Rexdale; York University Heights; Black Creek; Regent Park; Flemingdon Park; South Parkdale; Crescent Town; Thistletown-Beaumond Heights; Rustic; Glenfield-Jane Heights; Thorncliffe Park and Weston-Pallam Park.