The Plymouth Police Academy 63^rd Recruit Officer Class (ROC) recently took to their community to with hopes to make even a small difference through participation in holiday events.  On Friday, December 2, 2016 several student officers ran the Winter Lights 5K in Plymouth.  The donations for running the race contributed to Toys for Tots and Kiwanis of Plymouth.  On Saturday December 10, 2016 Plymouth Academy Student Officers completed the New Bedford Santa Run (pictured left), which donated to the Sister Rose House Soup Kitchen and Gifts to Give, a local organization that aims to re-build a more caring community, focused on local child poverty, literacy, and service to others.

With full support and participation from all 45 members of the 63^rd R.O.C., Student Officers chose to donate to The Plymouth Area Coalition Children’s Holiday Fund.  This organization provides Christmas gifts to children ranging in age from newborn to 17 years old.  The 63^rd R.O.C. “adopted” four deserving children for the 2016 Christmas season.  Provided with profiles and wish lists, members of the Recruit Officer Class completed all the shopping (top right) with funds raised from the entire class.  All gifts, clothes, toys, and wishes and necessities were dropped off with matching wrapping paper in hopes of giving local families a Christmas they otherwise might not hope to have.

On Saturday December 17^th, 2016 the 63^rd R.O.C. set out to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces who defend our country, our freedom, and our way of life. Through a nationwide effort called Wreaths Across America, those women and men no longer living were honored at the National Cemetery in Bourne with an extraordinary ceremony and holiday wreaths placed on their graves (bottom right). Members of the 63^rd were among the couple hundred volunteers who shrugged off the sleet and rain to pay tribute and help in placing over 10,000 wreaths on these graves. It was an incredible, moving experience.

Through helping families in need, assisting those who are less fortunate, recognizing active servicemen and women, thanking our veterans, and taking a moment to be grateful for what we are blessed to have, the 63^rd R.O.C. set out to start their careers giving back to the communities they hope to serve.

Written by Student Officer Wagner from the New Bedford Police Department on behalf of the 63^rd ROC Plymouth.