For 12 Harlan Countains, the last couple of months has proven to be some of the most interesting time spent in their lives.

For 10 weeks, participants in the city of Harlan's first-ever citizens police academy were inundated in the world of law enforcement. It might have been sheer intrigue that prompted them to sign up for the academy, but now that the program has come to a conclusion, its graduating class has walked away from the experience with not only a new, beneficial reservoir of legal knowledge, but a better understanding and respect for the men and women behind the badge.

“After participating in this academy, I will never look at a policeman's work as a simplistic job again,” said Sue Ford, a member of the academy's first graduating class.

Ford, who was chosen class leader, was called upon Wednesday night to speak during a special graduation program held for the inaugurating class of Harlan's citizens police academy.

“I'm thankful for having this opportunity,” Ford continued. “The officers with the Harlan City Police Department are professionals in every sense of the word, and we should all be proud of their accomplishments. They are a dedicated group of individuals working behind the scenes. ... This department may have access to some impressive equipment, but it takes great people to make use of those gadgets.”

From narcotics investigations to reconstructing the scene of a car crash, the first round of graduates from the citizens police academy learned the intensity of the work and knowledge that is required in the field of law enforcement. Harlan City Police Chief Danny Caudill said that's why the program was launched.

“We wanted to provide insight and education, and perhaps a better understanding of law enforcement,” Caudill said. “This was a good group. They really showed an interest from the beginning, and it's good to know we've got people there who are not only intrigued by what we do, but value our jobs as well.”

Harlan Mayor Danny Howard spoke briefly during the graduation program, commending his town's police department for successfully implementing the academy. He also thanked the academy's participants.

“Thank you for investing so much of your time in this program and taking the hours away from your families to do this. It's very humbling,” he said.

State Sen. Daniel Mongiardo was the special speaker for Wednesday's graduating ceremony. He talked about the importance of having a strong police force stationed throughout the state, especially in light of the region's rising drug problem.

“We are understaffed across the state,” Mongiardo said. “But the police officers we do have, like the ones working here in the Harlan City Police Department, do a tremendous job.”

Before closing the night in prayer, the Rev. David Kilburn said the dedication and competency of police agencies like the Harlan City Police Department, and the interest that is seemingly increasing among community residents to get involved, is proof solidarity is forming in the county's war on drugs.

“This academy was good,” Kilburn said. “It brought police and residents together on the same page. We'll be able to accomplish much in Harlan County by simply working together.”