Welcome to East Lyme Police Cadets, Inc.
~ Training Tomorrow's Leaders at the East Lyme CT Police Department, Today ~
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About Us
Our History
The East Lyme Police Cadets were founded on February 22, 2001, originally known as the East Lyme Police Explorers, and were affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America as part of their Learning for Life Programs. We began with five charter members from East Lyme and its surrounding communities. Among those initial members, three are now serving as police officers in various local police departments, contributing to the community as part of the East Lyme CT police network.
In 2010, after separating from the Boy Scouts of America, we rebranded as the East Lyme Police Cadets. We operate as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, providing opportunities for youth aged 13-21 who are interested in community service and exploring careers in law enforcement, including roles as local officers, state officers, or even federal officers. Some of our cadets have also proudly joined the military, serving overseas multiple times, while others have pursued careers as firefighters outside of the state.
Currently, SEVEN of our former cadets are police officers within the local communities of Southeastern CT, and one serves as a postal inspector in upstate New York. The success of our program has led to cadets advancing into careers in computer forensics, computer networking, and various law enforcement fields.
At present, our program consists of 10 members, both boys and girls, with a membership cap of 25 to ensure everyone can participate fully in training and events. Our members hail from East Lyme, Montville, Salem, Waterford, and Old Lyme.
We are proud members of the Northeast Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association (NERLEEA), which offers several competitions and a summer police academy. Our cadets assist the Town of East Lyme through traffic control, crowd management, and manual labor for Ledge Light Health District projects, as well as providing support to the community following major disasters.
Each November, we hold an annual food drive that benefits food pantries not only in East Lyme but also in neighboring communities.
In 2017, we upgraded our communication by purchasing new radios and obtaining our own licensed radio frequencies, launching our newest initiative: the annual Halloween Haunted Trail. This event has just celebrated its third year and has been a significant success among community members, and we hope to continue this tradition for years to come.
As we approach February 22, 2026, we will proudly celebrate our 25th anniversary. Over the years, more than 195 youth have participated in our program, many of whom have become police officers in East Lyme and nearby towns. Others have pursued careers as firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. Several cadets have also served honorably in the military. We take immense pride in the accomplishments of all our current and former members as they contribute to the East Lyme Police Department and beyond.
We will continue to add to our history as time allows.
Get Involved!
We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our Walk of Horror a reality. The East Lyme Police Department is supportive of our efforts, and we'll assist you in finding a way to volunteer that best suits you.
Thank You
We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you. Thank you for your time and donations that make this possible, especially in supporting the East Lyme CT police and the East Lyme Police Department!
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