Week 11 with APO Kelli

We started off our week with the 2nd academy test and the 2nd Cooper's Test. The Cooper's Test is a physical assessment test for flexibility, vertical jump, body fat, sit-ups, push-ups, bench press, 1.5 mile run, and 300 meter sprint. We all passed the 2nd academy test with flying colors and all of us greatly improved on the Cooper's Test.

Wednesday afternoon we were asked to assist the K-9 Unit with training. Maybe I should say we got volunteered to assist the K-9 unit. They asked for 6 people that weren't afraid of dogs. This is the part where I didn't raise my hand. No, I'm not scared of dogs but I thought to myself "Hhhmmm...APO's and the K-9 Unit, this can't be good for us." I know we have all seen the Fear Factor show where they dress the contestants in the padded outfit and let the K-9's attack them. So, I was not volunteering myself to that fun. However, it ended up they only needed our scent in the boxes and for one of us to stay there until the K-9 figured out the box we were hiding in.

We had our last full week at the Range. We are ending the Range by shooting all different types of courses. We did some aim-fire courses with our shotguns and handguns. We practiced a new walking and shooting drill, then did the drill with water bottles. We would hold a water bottle upside down and walk. The idea of the drill is to walk with little movement in your water bottle. Then we did the course again and actually improved our shots. Later in the day we split off into 2 groups, one group did more of the walking course, and the other did a shotgun/handgun course that involved driving the police car with lights and sirens. And let me just tell you our class ranges in age from 23-38 but at that moment we were all 12 years old. We were so excited to drive the police car with lights and sirens, and I don't think we will ever not be excited to do that!

On Friday morning we did some more geography ride-alongs. Those are always beneficial and it is always nice to get out of the classroom. Friday afternoon we got the Officer's Memorial ready for the yearly ceremony that will take place May 4th and 5th.

Next week is the midway point in the academy! YAY!

Kelli Braitsch