WEST MILFORD On Thursday, July 27, two young West Milford residents graduated from the Trooper Youth Week Program held at the New Jersey State Police Academy in Sea Girt, New Jersey. Samuel Arnowitz of West Milford High School and Thomas Waszkiewicz of Saint Joseph’s Regional High School. Both of young men graduated with 83 other Trooper Youths successfully completing a rigorous one-week program becoming members of the 71st Trooper Youth Week Class. The class was one of three conducted this summer consisting of approximately 80-90 students per class. The young adults that participate in this program are usually interested in obtaining careers in law enforcement, criminal justice or public safety. They are nominated and screened by their local police departments and high schools prior to being accepted into the program. In addition, they must successfully complete their junior year of high school, be academically competent and of good moral character. Trooper Youth Week was started by the New Jersey State Police in 1965 to give young men and women from all areas of New Jersey an opportunity to experience Police Academy Training. This week-long residential program contains discipline in a quasi-military environment, which is supervised by cadre of the New Jersey State Police Academy. Their daily routine includes scheduled classroom programs, practical exercises, physical training and military drill. The core values of the program emphasize integrity, honesty, courtesy, professionalism, human dignity, respect and teamwork. West Milford Police Chief Paul Costello supports the Trooper Youth Week Program and said, “It is our obligation, as police professionals, to cultivate the most motivated, talented and dedicated people into seeking a career in the criminal justice profession. It is very rewarding when you see a young man or woman strive to become a law enforcement officer and know that our efforts assisted in their achievement.” Costello credits the departments Juvenile Officer, Detective John Calabrese with being instrumental in assisting young men and women in obtaining careers in the criminal justice field. “John has mentored many young people over the years, and we have seen many of them become successful local, state and federal law enforcement officers.” Through Calabrese’s efforts, the department has also provided a limited number of internship programs for college students majoring in criminal justice.