Clinton County Police Camp Cadet Class 2023 set for Saturday graduation

LAMAR, PA – The Clinton County Police Camp Cadet program is nearing the end of its annual 6-day run on the Lock Haven University campus and environs and camp director Dutch Rinker said it’s been another positive experience for the better than 50 youth from all across the county who are participating.

Rinker spoke with therecord-online Thursday at what was another memorable day for the boys and girls, ages 11 to 15, who are enrolled. Activities included an afternoon visit to the Lamar Federal Fish Hatchery where there was a chance to fish and get a first-hand look at a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter.

Trooper Donald Watters, the ‘copter pilot, gave his youthful audience a full rundown on his job and services performed by the state police aviation unit. He said there are six helicopter sites across the state, the closest in Altoona. He detailed all the sophisticated paraphernalia aboard the $4.5 million craft to assist state police in their work.

As Trooper Watters lifted off to return to his base in Franklin, the camp cadets offered a going-away salute.

Director Rinker, who is a retired state police lieutenant, has been involved in Camp Cadet programs across the state for some two decades. He is a board member for the Clinton County organization, and this is his first year as camp director. He termed the program’s motivation for the participants is “to be better today than they were yesterday and do better tomorrow than they are doing today.”

He talked about how participants, from all socio-economic levels, have become more accustomed and attuned to to the program offerings after checking in on the Lock Haven campus on Monday of this week. It includes daily physical fitness and basic marching drills, in addition to a myriad of experiences involving police and emergency service providers.

More information, including the program’s daily activities, may be found at the Clinton County Police Camp Cadet Facebook page.