1-August-2025
On Wednesday-30-July, the Bogota Junior Police Academy (BJPA) held their Graduation Ceremony for Class 03. This was held in the Moore Gym in Steen School. "Scotland the Brave” was played by Mr. Brendon Hogan from the Passaic County Police and Fire Dept. Pipe & Drum Band. This signaled announce the entrance of the 41 Cadets of this year’s class. The Cadets marched single file in front of the bleachers and moved into class formation at Centre Court. The class performed a number of short order drills under the commands of Instructor Devin Rivera, then recited the General Orders of the Academy.
Next the Cadets march closer to the stage, then Class Commander Cadet Reina Villalobos led those in attendance in saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Instructor Rivera called the class to move to their seats as more music played. Once all the Cadets were seated in front of the stage facing the audience, Instructor Rivera announce all were present and accounted for, and turn the ceremony over to Program Director Det. Michael Laferrera. He first asked of those attending how they felt. This was answered with applause by the Families and Friends in the gym. Next Director Laferrera thanked the Families for allowing their Children to be a part of Class 03. He also thanked all the Instructors who used their personal time to be a part of the BJPA. This included the Police Departments from Little Ferry and Demarest to allow their Officers to be Instructors. And Hackensack University Medical Center for their help in taking care of any medical situations.
Then Director Laferrera played a video which showed highlights of the Duty Days of Class 03.
After this he introduced Bogota Police Chief Mr. Daniel Maye. Chief Maye thanked Director Laferrera for all the time and effort to make the Bogota Junior Police Academy become a leader in youth programs. He said that the Cadets succeeded with their Will, Hard work, and Dedication to overcome the challenges presented to them in their time at the Academy. And how this experience is part of a solid foundation for the next part of their lives. Chief Maye congratulated them in participating in one of the most difficult and demanding, both physically and mentally, Academy’s in the State of New Jersey. Chief Maye continued by saying how the former Youth Academy has produced Alumni that joined the Military, Emergency Services, and have found personal and business success. And that this should give these Cadets the motivation to continue this tradition of excellence.
Next Bogota Mayor Ms. Daniele Fede told how she saw firsthand as a Rescue Squad Instructor the work the Cadets put-in. She talked about the effort and drive of the Cadets used to overcome the challenges as part of the BJPA Class 03. Along with the Respect, Teamwork, Courage, and Enthusiasm shown by the Cadets during the Academy.
Then Director Laferrera stood in front of the stage to present each Cadet with their Certificate of Completion.
Next the Squad Leaders stepped up to say who they were. Starting with Alpha Squad leader Cadet Eric Valerio, Bravo Squad Cadet Gianna Ricafort, Charlie Squad Cadet Liyano Shahin, and Delta Squad Cadet Luna Gomez. They said how the members of their Squad was the best. Then Class Commander Cadet Reina Villalobos talked about the class accomplishment for this year. She also thanked Director Laferrera and the Instructors for all their work to make the BJPA a memorable experience.
This was followed by the presentation of the Class awards. First, the award for Physical Fitness was won by Cadet Valentina Seoage. The Defensive Tactics award was given to Cadet Simon Orozco. Cadet Michael Demetriades scored the highest combined score on both General Knowledge tests earning the Academic award. For Outstanding Service award would go to Cadet Eric Valerio. The Merit award was given to Class Commander Cadet Reina Villalobos for her leadership during the Academy and was voted on by the Cadets themselves. The Honor Graduate was Cadet Gianna Ricafort who was voted the award by the Instructors. The final award was the Director’s Award, this was presented to Cadet Valentina Ortiz for her “Outstanding” Drive and Heart as a member of Class 03.
One final plaque was given by Instructor Hondros, and Class Commander Villalobos, to Director Laferrera to recognize his dedication and commitment to the Bogota Junior Police Academy. After this, Director Laferrera called out the order of being DISMISSED.
The Bogota Junior Police Academy are accepting donations to support the 2025 Class 03. And to prepare for the 2026 Class 04 by accessing their Venmo account with the Q-R Code listed below.
On Wednesday-30-July, the Bogota Junior Police Academy (BJPA) held their Graduation Ceremony for Class 03. This was held in the Moore Gym in Steen School. "Scotland the Brave” was played by Mr. Brendon Hogan from the Passaic County Police and Fire Dept. Pipe & Drum Band. This signaled announce the entrance of the 41 Cadets of this year’s class. The Cadets marched single file in front of the bleachers and moved into class formation at Centre Court. The class performed a number of short order drills under the commands of Instructor Devin Rivera, then recited the General Orders of the Academy.
Next the Cadets march closer to the stage, then Class Commander Cadet Reina Villalobos led those in attendance in saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Instructor Rivera called the class to move to their seats as more music played. Once all the Cadets were seated in front of the stage facing the audience, Instructor Rivera announce all were present and accounted for, and turn the ceremony over to Program Director Det. Michael Laferrera. He first asked of those attending how they felt. This was answered with applause by the Families and Friends in the gym. Next Director Laferrera thanked the Families for allowing their Children to be a part of Class 03. He also thanked all the Instructors who used their personal time to be a part of the BJPA. This included the Police Departments from Little Ferry and Demarest to allow their Officers to be Instructors. And Hackensack University Medical Center for their help in taking care of any medical situations.
Then Director Laferrera played a video which showed highlights of the Duty Days of Class 03.
After this he introduced Bogota Police Chief Mr. Daniel Maye. Chief Maye thanked Director Laferrera for all the time and effort to make the Bogota Junior Police Academy become a leader in youth programs. He said that the Cadets succeeded with their Will, Hard work, and Dedication to overcome the challenges presented to them in their time at the Academy. And how this experience is part of a solid foundation for the next part of their lives. Chief Maye congratulated them in participating in one of the most difficult and demanding, both physically and mentally, Academy’s in the State of New Jersey. Chief Maye continued by saying how the former Youth Academy has produced Alumni that joined the Military, Emergency Services, and have found personal and business success. And that this should give these Cadets the motivation to continue this tradition of excellence.
Next Bogota Mayor Ms. Daniele Fede told how she saw firsthand as a Rescue Squad Instructor the work the Cadets put-in. She talked about the effort and drive of the Cadets used to overcome the challenges as part of the BJPA Class 03. Along with the Respect, Teamwork, Courage, and Enthusiasm shown by the Cadets during the Academy.
Then Director Laferrera stood in front of the stage to present each Cadet with their Certificate of Completion.
Next the Squad Leaders stepped up to say who they were. Starting with Alpha Squad leader Cadet Eric Valerio, Bravo Squad Cadet Gianna Ricafort, Charlie Squad Cadet Liyano Shahin, and Delta Squad Cadet Luna Gomez. They said how the members of their Squad was the best. Then Class Commander Cadet Reina Villalobos talked about the class accomplishment for this year. She also thanked Director Laferrera and the Instructors for all their work to make the BJPA a memorable experience.
This was followed by the presentation of the Class awards. First, the award for Physical Fitness was won by Cadet Valentina Seoage. The Defensive Tactics award was given to Cadet Simon Orozco. Cadet Michael Demetriades scored the highest combined score on both General Knowledge tests earning the Academic award. For Outstanding Service award would go to Cadet Eric Valerio. The Merit award was given to Class Commander Cadet Reina Villalobos for her leadership during the Academy and was voted on by the Cadets themselves. The Honor Graduate was Cadet Gianna Ricafort who was voted the award by the Instructors. The final award was the Director’s Award, this was presented to Cadet Valentina Ortiz for her “Outstanding” Drive and Heart as a member of Class 03.
One final plaque was given by Instructor Hondros, and Class Commander Villalobos, to Director Laferrera to recognize his dedication and commitment to the Bogota Junior Police Academy. After this, Director Laferrera called out the order of being DISMISSED.
The Bogota Junior Police Academy are accepting donations to support the 2025 Class 03. And to prepare for the 2026 Class 04 by accessing their Venmo account with the Q-R Code listed below.
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