PUBLIC SAFETY CLASSES TO BE HELD

SIKESTON - Ever wonder what it's like to be a police officer or firefighter? What it's like to climb to the top of the fire truck ladder, to be held hostage in the middle of a shootout or how to qualify for duty?

The third annual Sikeston Department of Public Safety Citizens Police/Fire Academy is scheduled for nine weeks beginning March 26, the academy promises a first hand look and feel of what public safety means in Sikeston.

The academy has been designed to better acquaint citizens, with the operations of the Department of Public Safety, said Chief James Leist.

"It is my desire that, after a citizen successfully completes academy training, they will have a better understanding of the role that the DPS plays in the criminal justice system," Leist said.

Applications must be received at the DPS headquarters by March 19.

Classes are held from 6 to 10 p.m. each Thursday in City Council chambers in City Hall. Saturday sessions, which include hands on exercises at Fire Station 3, runs from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.