The 2025 Regional Youth Police Academy staff and students posed for a photograph at last week’s graduation ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Swansea Police Department)
SWANSEA — Chief Mark Foley is proud to announce that the Swansea Police Department recently celebrated the 2025 Regional Youth Police Academy Graduation.
This is Swansea’s first year participating in the Regional Youth Police Academy, which ran from July 21 through August 1 at Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton.
“They allowed us to use their new facility and were great hosts,” said Swansea Police Lt. Jonathan M. Boyd, one of the Academy’s Physical Training Staff Instructors.
Police departments participating this year included Berkley, Dighton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset and Swansea.
Jett Soares, Matthew Duponte, Travis Patricio, and Elio El Khoury, all of Swansea and students at Joseph Case Junior High School, participated in and graduated from the Academy. Each received a certificate of completion from the Academy staff.
Students were presented with certificates from Swansea Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein and state Sen. Kelly A. Dooner.
“Everything about the Youth Police Academy is fabulous as it demonstrates to young people and families the community service aspect of the police industry,” said Town Administrator Aronstein. “Through this program, we not only build positive relationships with other area departments, but we also build them with local families and students. I applaud the police departments involved and am especially proud of Patrolman Shane Mello and Lt. Jonathan Boyd for their above-and-beyond efforts. The cadets were also particularly impressive with all they underwent in this two-week program. Congratulations to this year’s class!”
Swansea Patrolman Shane Mello served as one of the Academy drill Instructors.
“Patrolman Mello and Lt. Boyd each put in a lot of hours, ensuring this Academy was an incredible experience for the students,” said Chief Foley. “Their dedication to policing, and the youth of our community, will leave a lasting impression on the children who attended this year’s Regional Youth Police Academy.”
Lt. Boyd presented the Physical Training Award to student Sloan Sousa, a Dighton Middle School student, at the Academy graduation.
“Our participation in this year’s Academy wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Swansea Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein and Chief of Police Mark Foley,” said Lt. Boyd. “I’d also like to thank the students and their families for their commitment and dedication to this amazing program.”
Academy students participated in Physical Training, Drill Instruction, MSP Bomb Squad Demonstration, CPR Training and Certification, Fire/EMS Demonstration, Internet Safety Class, Marine Boat Demonstration, Traffic Stops Demonstration, K-9 Demonstration, a visit to Taunton Court for Courtroom Demonstration, Gun/Range Safety and Training (no live ammunition), Crime Scene Processing, Defensive Tactics, Field Sobriety Demonstration and Police Scenario Training.
On graduation day, police chiefs from all the participating departments, staff instructors, students and their families attended a closing ceremony.
Lunch and ice cream were provided after the ceremony for the students and their families. Papa Gino’s of Taunton and Jersey Mike’s of Swansea donated lunch, and the Academy hired a Palagi Brothers Ice Cream Truck. One of the student’s parents owns MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes in Mansfield, and donated lunch one day.
“This celebration was the culmination of true cooperation between Swansea and the other participating municipalities, Berkley, Dighton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Somerset,” said Chief Foley. “Maintaining a solid spirit of cooperation between our towns will surely pay dividends, both in the effect this Academy will have on the children who participate, and future regional investigations waged by all of our departments.”
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The Swansea students who attended the 2025 Regional Youth Police Academy posed for a photo with members of the Swansea Police Department and the Swansea Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein. From left to right, Jett Soares, Travis Patricio, Patrolman Shane Mello, Chief Mark Foley, Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein, Lt. Jonathan Boyd, Matthew Duponte, and Elio El Khoury.
(Photo Courtesy Swansea Police Department)
Lt. Jonathan M. Boyd presented the Physical Training Award to student Sloan Sousa at graduation. (Photo Courtesy Swansea Police Department)
Swansea Police Lt. Jonathan M. Boyd, one of the Academy’s Physical Training Staff Instructors. (Photo Courtesy Swansea Police Department)
Swansea Patrolman Shane Mello served as one of the Academy drill Instructors.
(Photo Courtesy Swansea Police Department)
Swansea Patrolman Shane Mello served as one of the Academy drill Instructors.
(Photo Courtesy Swansea Police Department)
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