Officer Jamie Sharkey and Sgt. William Henry of the Community Response Unit recently attended the Wissahickon Career Pathways event. (Credit: Lower Gwynedd Police Department).
Two years ago, the Lower Gwynedd Police Department announced the creation of a new team within the department: the Community Response Unit (CRU).
The goal of the CRU is to is to work in partnership with community members to reduce crime, maintain order and to identify and solve problems to improve the quality of life in the community.
The CRU is in charge of community outreach events and spearheading quality of life issues for residents of Lower Gwynedd Township that range from traffic issues, addiction, access to social programs and other concerns. The unit has been running full time since fall 2022.
The CRU has made its presence felt at numerous events over the last couple of years in Lower Gwynedd Township, and it was on hand once again to provide a service to the community at the 2025 Wissahickon High Schools Career Pathways event that was held on March 11.
Sgt. William Henry and Officer Jamie Sharkey volunteered to spend quality time with local students. The police department had a booth set up with informational tools to help students learn about different careers.
They taught students about the different careers in law enforcement and the different types of departments available, like a police chief, lieutenant, patrol division, detective division and administrative assistants.
Specialized services like a crash reconstructionist, crime prevention unit, crime scene investigator, field training, school resource officer, and more, were also discussed. The two members handed out giveaways like keychains and bracelets to students.
The 2025 Career Pathways Event at Wissahickon High School is an opportunity for students to explore various career options and gain valuable insights into potential future paths. This event is designed to connect students with professionals from a wide range of industries, allowing them to learn more about the skills, qualifications, and experiences required to succeed in today’s workforce. By attending, students can gain a clearer understanding of their career interests and start planning for their future.
Throughout the event, students will have the chance to engage with industry experts, ask questions, and attend informative workshops and panels. These sessions cover a broad spectrum of career fields, including healthcare, technology, engineering, arts, business, and more. The event is an ideal platform for students to discover opportunities, hear about different career journeys, and even establish connections that could help guide them toward internships or job shadowing opportunities.
The Career Pathways Event also aims to provide students with practical knowledge about the importance of networking, building a professional resume, and how to take the necessary steps to achieve career success. By attending, students will not only explore their potential career options but also develop critical skills that will support their growth, whether they decide to pursue higher education or enter the workforce directly. This event is a valuable resource for helping students make informed decisions about their professional futures.
This is just one of many community outreach programs the LGPD participates in. Officers also lend their time at community festivals, Coffee with Cops, holiday toy drives, and many more.
