RADNOR — A group of Radnor residents recently got a taste of police work.
Radnor officials recently held a graduation for its latest class in Citizens Police Academy.
Earlier this month, Radnor Township commissioners Moira Mulroney, Ward 5; and Jim Riley, Ward 4; Radnor Township Manager William M. White; Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer; Delaware County Director of Emergency Services Timothy Boyce; and Delaware County First Assistant District Attorney Tanner Rouse were on hand to celebrate the annual ceremony.
“Fostering strong bonds between law enforcement and the community is pivotal to building mutual respect and enhancing community well-being,” said Schaefer, who had previously served as president of the township commissioners. “The Radnor Citizens Police Academy serves as a great model. We extend our deepest gratitude to Superintendent [Chris] Flanagan, Sgt. [Brady] McHale, the entire Radnor Police Department, and all the cadets for their unwavering commitment. Their dedication is instrumental in enhancing our public safety and strengthening the fabric of our community connections.”
Now in its seventh year, the academy offers a dynamic nine-week program that combines classroom and practical instruction in law enforcement fundamentals to enhance community and police relations.
The program is designed to provide participants with a working knowledge of the Radnor Township Police Department. This educational and informative program allows citizen’s to learn more about the issues that affect law enforcement in Radnor Township and the country. The CPA consists of a series of classroom instruction and practical field exercises held one evening per week for 2-3 hours per session.
This year, 12 cadets — Michael Brunswick, Jillian Buck, Mia Carpenter, Stacy Clarck, Barbara Cobb, Ena Fountain, Candy Neely, David and Janie Partridge, Neal Saswal, Daniel Shalev and Lisa Woodcock — graduated in the presence of friends, family, and local officials. Speakers at the ceremony included Schaefer, Rouse, Delaware County communications dispatchers, and Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) members.
“We’re so proud of this program, and the graduates this year did an amazing job,” said Flanagan, who oversees the program. “The Citizen’s Police Academy is more than just a training course; it’s a vital bridge that connects the police force with the community we serve. Each session, whether it’s about tactical procedures or legal frameworks, not only educates but also opens channels for ongoing dialogue and transparency in policing.”
Throughout the nine-week course, participants engaged in hands-on scenarios ranging from domestic abuse responses to routine traffic stops and even simulated crime scene investigations using real investigative tools. Cadets also had the opportunity to meet Radnor officers and participate in patrol ride-alongs. This immersive experience is designed to deepen understanding of day-to-day police operations and foster stronger community ties.
The new graduates bring the total number of members to over 125 since the program launched in 2015.
Graduates are afforded the opportunity to join Radnor’s Citizens Police Organization, which supports the township at various events, including The Wayne Music Festival, Villanova University’s Commencement and Championship celebrations, and township parades, all on a volunteer basis.
