JEFF STARCHER WORKING ON HIS DREAM

(09/26/2005)

Students from around WV participated
in the week-long Junior Trooper Academy

Orma resident and Calhoun High senior Jeff Starcher attended the 10th Junior Trooper Academy, an annual program held at the West Virginia State Police Academy at Institute.

Starcher, who has always wanted to be a law officer, participated in a five-day course of rigorous training, consisting of mock crime scenes, an exercise Starcher said was his personal favorite.

The program also included mock vehicle accidents, self defense training, firearms training, and a rigorous physical fitness program every morning.

The Junior Academy is for students who want to be a law enforcement officer, or for those who would like another career in the field, such as an FBI agent.

Jeff Starcher said "It was a rigorous
program, but I enjoyed every minute of it."

Starcher said "The special thing about this program is that it really makes you ask yourself, if you really want to do this?"

He said you learn that it requires a lot of responsibility, along with the ability to handle stress and to adapt to many different circumstances.

"I learned what it takes," said Starcher, who wants to pursue his long-time dream as a law officer.

"I had a great time, and look forward to going back sometime in the summer of 2006 for my basic training," he said.

"Since I was three years old, I knew that I wanted to go into this field and become a law enforcement officer. A lot of teens my age have no clue what they want to do with their life, but I have always known what I wanted," Starcher said.

"I'm shooting for my dream and look forward to serving Calhoun County one day, as a deputy sheriff," he concluded.