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Az ALLECA- Law Enforcement Career Academy
The ALLECA program in Arizona has been in existence since 1981 (31-years) and is one of only ten (10) such programs in the United States that are geared toward those individual teenagers who have shown an interest in some phase of law enforcement. This is one of the many "Children and Youth" programs that are sponsored by the American Legion. The program consists of a six-day encampment and will most likely be held at the St. Joseph's Youth Camp (Mormon Lake Village), which is about 23 miles South of Flagstaff. The cost to attend the program is $250.00. Scholarships to attend the program are available on a first come-first served basis. Each cadet looking to be awarded a scholarship must complete a 1,500 word telling the Director 1) Why the want to attend and 2) Why they should be selected over someone else seeking a scholarship. The program is offered to youths between the ages of 11 and 18. The cadets are fed three meals a day and are provided quarters and uniforms. This camp is not meant to correct disciplinary problems, but is one developed for kids interested in law enforcement or the military. Physical training is rigorious, so cadets attending the academy must be in good shape and able to run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes, and complete 35 push-ups and sit-ups upon entering the program. The encampment is under the direct leadership of the Arizona Department of Public Safety with most of the instruction being provided by certified Arizona or Federal law enforcement officers.
The 2010 ALLECA class took place from June 26th to July 2nd and forty-seven (47) cadets graduated. The 2011 ALLECA class took place from June 4th to June 10th at the St. Joseph's Youth Camp and seventy-six (76) cadets graduated. This was the largest single class ever for the program. For additional information, you can email Sgt. Dan Palmer AZ DPS at allecadirector@hotmail.com.
The dates for ALLECA 2012 are June 9th to June 15th (Session I/ALLECA Class 2012-1) and June 16th to June 22nd (Session II/ALLECA Class 2012-2). The Cadets will need to arrive at the academy wearing a plain white t-shirt, running shorts, and running shoes between 0900 and 1230 hours. All valuable items, including medications need to already be stored/secured inside a zip-lock bag within the suitcase prior to arrival. Only one suitcase per cadet will be allowed this year, due to storage restrictions. Additional information will be provided in the "Call to Report" that each cadet will receive in the mail or have emailed to them. Graduation will commence at 12:00 P.M. on each Friday.
We celebrated our 30th anniversary after the 2011 graduation. Retired Captain Frank Hutcheson (Hutch) attended the ceremony as our Honored Guest since he was the first assigned liaison officer from DPS for the program. It was wonderful to honor Hutch and thank him for his dedication to getting this program off the ground. Unfortunately, Captain Hutch passed away on October 16, 2011, so we hope we are continuing to make him proud.
We now have ALLECA Proud Supporter T-Shirts available for sale. The cost of the shirts is now $10.00. The design of the shirts was courtesy of "The Impressionist" custom screens and graphic designs out of Flagstaff. You can also purchase an ALLECA hat pin for $3.00. You can either call the ALLECA Director or send mail with your request of a shirt and/or hat pin. Make checks or money orders out to American Legion-ALLECA. See the address below for mailing directions. Check out the T-Shirt and Pin in the photogallery.
We are always looking for donations for the program in order to keep sponsoring kids each year and to keep equipment maintenanced and upgraded. If you would like to donate funds to the program mail them to: Sgt. Dan Palmer-ALLECA Director P.O. Box 6638 Maildrop 3900 Phoenix, Arizona 85005. If you are sending a donation in check or money order, please make the check out to American Legion-ALLECA. If you are sending cash, please attach a small note so we can properly thank you for your donation and send you something for your tax records.
We have a new staff program for graduates that are 18-years old or older called "ALLECA Volunteers". If you are a graduate and meet the age requirements, and you want to come back each year to help out, send an email to allecadirector@hotmail.com. Your nickname and the year attended within the email is a requirement.
If you would like an application or brochure for the 2012 year sent to you via email, you can contact Sgt. Dan Palmer-Director at allecadirector@hotmail.com. You can also contact the Deputy Director, Frank Whitten at f.whitten@cox.net or the Administrative Assistant, Anne Cline at anne.cline@azlegion.org.
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