Yesterday was our last Citizen Academy class. I’ve learned a lot about the Sherburne County Sheriff’s department over the last eight weeks.

Deputy Roxanne Schreder, one of the Citizen Academy hosts, told us about the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and how to set up a Neighborhood Watch.

We learned about local fraud schemes that have been committed in Sherburne County. Fraud investigator Pam Weber presented things we should look for so that we can avoid being scammed.

The Sherburne County Drug and Gang Task Force members spoke to us about drug usage. We saw samples are different drugs, including heroine, cocaine, marijuana, khat, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and methamphetamine. Meth labs in the area have been reduced, in large part due to the limits of pseudoephedrine that have been imposed on pharmacies.

We also heard from William Jones, the Reserve Captain for the Sheriff’s department. They are always looking for qualified people to join the reserves and serve the community.

After receiving our graduation certificates and a goody bag with a Sheriff’s mug, we enjoyed a pizza party and had delicious cake. I appreciate all of the efforts that have gone into putting this Citizen’s Academy together, especially by Deputies Roxanne Schreder and Renee Brandt, and I encourage everyone to take the class when it becomes available later this year!

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