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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (1/15/2012) - Be
safe, be responsible, and be respectful, values service
members live by and the same values being taught to the
Hickam Elementary School Junior Police Officers.
Junior Police Officer Micaela Hayes, Noah Easter, Ryan Dague, and
Katie Rudolph prepare to raise the American and Hawaiian state flags
at Hickam Elementary School, Jan. 12, 2012 on Joint Base Pearl
Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Photo by USAF Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth |
Hickam Elementary JPOs aren't much different then their
parents who serving our country. JPOs show up to school
early and stay late to help protect fellow students who are
commuting to and from school in high traffic areas. JPOs
perform in military style drill competition and show
responsibility by raising the flag every morning and taking
it down every afternoon, with honor and respect.
“Safety is one of the primary things we emphasize to the
JPOs when they are performing their duties, “ said David
Murata, Hickam Elementary School JPO adviser, “just like
their military parents the JPOs have to show responsibility
when performing their duties while being respectful of
others.”
Like our modern military is an all-volunteer
force, the Hickam Elementary students volunteer to serve as
JPOs.
“I joined because my dad was one when he was a
kid and its fun,” said Ryan Dague son of U.S. Air Force Col.
Joe Dague, 15th Wing vice commander.
Regardless of
the students reasons for joining they receive a better sense
of responsibility and personal confidence by being in the
JPO program.
“I feel more confident then other
people because I get to help keep people safe,” said
10-year-old Micaela Hays.
The JPO students of Hickam
Elementary lead the way for their peers and follow in their
parent's footsteps. They help others and learn core values
as part of an organization with a tradition of respect,
responsibility, and safety.
The JPO organization is
the only statewide program of its kind in the entire United
States. The organization is sponsored by the Hawaii Police
Department and has been a part of Hawaii schools for nearly
ninety years.
The JPO organization officially began
in 1923 when Sheriff Charles Rose of the city and county of
Honolulu swore in sixty-four Boy Scouts of America as Junior
Traffic Police Officers and it has now grown to more than
4,600 elementary school students statewide.
More photos available in frame below
By USAF Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth
Defense Media
Activity – Hawaii News Bureau
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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