DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — In an effort to strengthen community trust and understanding, Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute and Public Safety Training Foundation launched the first Community Public Safety Academy. It's a pilot program aimed at providing people living in Macon County a behind-the-scenes look at public safety operations.
12 Macon County residents (21 and older), each of different background and experience, gathered at the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center for the first Community Public Safety Academy.
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The initiative invited 12 Macon County residents (21 and older), each with a different background and experience, to spend eight weeks learning firsthand about law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency response services.
Dr. Juanita Morris, coordinator for the Dawson Civic Leadership Institute (D.C.L.I.), told WAND News that the program originally started by connecting students to civic related careers. But, before that program could begin, she knew there needed to be deeper conversations with local law enforcement. She turned to Decatur Police Lt. Erki Ethell, now Deputy Chief, to have that conversation.
"There has to be a level of trust, openness, understanding, and vulnerability to have dialogue," Morris explained.
After a successful year with the D.C.L.I., Dr. Morris and Deputy Chief Ethell wanted to take the program to the next level. They decided to invite adults to participate in an 8 week program, meeting every Tuesday night.
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"This became something different than we anticipated — a real collaborative effort where community members and public safety officers can learn from one another," she said.
Decatur resident and counselor Jonathan Fluker, said the experience has been transformative.
"Having the opportunity to access more information and places that the typical community member doesn’t — it’s been powerful," Fluker said. "Every time I leave, I’m calling someone to share what I’ve learned. Knowledge is power, and it’s already helping me build awareness across the community."
The academy isn't just about lectures — it’s hands-on and immersive. Participants toured the Macon County Jail, explored the inner workings of the sheriff’s office, and climbed fire department training towers, all while engaging in candid conversations with first responders.
Macon County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Matt Jedlicka said offering a "peek behind the curtain" is vital.
"Most people only get to see the surface level of public safety. By inviting them into our world, we hope they become ambassadors who can share what they’ve seen with friends and family," Jedlicka said.
Former dispatcher and assistant coordinator Desiree Wright said seeing the cohort's transformation has been emotional.
"I think there was some uncertainty coming into it, but it has really broadened and changed their perspective on a lot of things that we have going on in our community."
Organizers say the pilot group has exceeded expectations, providing critical feedback that will shape future academies. Dr. Morris believes the foundation laid by the first cohort will guide the program’s growth.
"I think that this group was supposed to be here," she said.
There is hope to continue the Community Public Safety Academy in the future, with plans to expand and adapt based on the experiences of this inaugural group.
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