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For eleven weeks, I had the opportunity to step inside the world of the Livonia Police Department through the 2026 Livonia Citizen Police Academy — and this episode documents the entire experience.

From SWAT demonstrations and accident reconstruction to crisis negotiations, K9 training, ride-alongs, use-of-force policy, crime scene investigations, active shooter response, and virtual reality scenario training, this program offered an unfiltered look at the realities of modern policing and the people behind the badge.

In this episode, I share:

What I learned during all eleven weeks of the academy
My ride-along experience with Officer David Wohlgemuth
Meeting Kasimir, Livonia PD’s K9 German Shepherd
Behind-the-scenes insight into specialized police units
Reflections on officer wellness, mental health, and de-escalation
The emotional Honor Guard presentation
Graduation night with Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan and Chief Thomas Goralski
And how the experience changed my perspective on law enforcement and community engagement.

This wasn’t a political experience.
It wasn’t a PR stunt.
It was an educational opportunity that provided context, nuance, and firsthand exposure to work most people only ever see through headlines or social media clips.

I’m incredibly thankful to the Livonia Police Department, the instructors, officers, dispatchers, clinicians, and fellow classmates who made the academy such a memorable experience.

Additional photos, videos, audio clips, and behind-the-scenes content from the academy will be available soon at: 🌐 Curator135.com

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