SULLIVAN COUNTY — Sullivan County’s Emergency Services wrapped up their second annual week-long Youth Academy on Friday with a special visit from a LifeNet helicopter and a graduation ceremony to celebrate the program’s cadets.

This year’s academy hosted 18 local youth between the ages of 14 and 16, nearly tripling in size since its inaugural session, with four of the participants returning for their second year. Throughout the week, cadets engaged with numerous fire, medical, and law enforcement agencies, gaining hands-on experience and learning life-saving skills.

The program was led by Deputy Commissioner of 911 and EMS Alex Rau and Deputy Commissioner and Fire Coordinator John Hauschild, with ongoing support from many individuals and agencies. Among those repeatedly acknowledged was Scott Schulte, Commissioner of Public Safety, whose involvement was key to the program’s success.

Held daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the academy covered a wide range of emergency service skills. Participants learned how to properly use radios, tie knots, build harnesses to rappel off cliffs, operate drones, and conduct search-and-rescue missions. The cadets also received CPR certification and were trained in bleeding control through the Stop the Bleed program, preparing them to act in critical situations and potentially save lives.

Instruction and demonstrations were provided by several agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the 911 Center, the New York State DEC, the Rock Hill Fire Department, and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.

“If you look at emergency services, a lot of us are getting older, and we really need to harvest, or plant seeds, in our youth to get them involved in emergency services,” said Rau, speaking to the importance of cultivating the interest of community members at a young age.

Rau and Hauschild both emphasized the wide array of roles within emergency services and the importance of educating the public, especially a younger audience, about the many ways they can serve their communities. They want the Youth Academy to serve as a stepping stone to inspire future involvement.

Hauschild closed the week by thanking all those involved and reaffirming the value of collaboration: “We wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of Scott, our commissioner, our county manager, and the total support of our legislators.”

With its growing interest and strong community backing, the future of the Sullivan County Emergency Services Youth Academy looks bright, continuing to empower and prepare the county’s next generation of first responders.