CURWENSVILLE – Since 2002, a dedicated group of law professionals have taught area elementary students about the field, and last week the new class was inducted into the Legal Eagles program at Curwensville Elementary.
The students heard from Clearfield County Deputy Sherrif Jerry Nevling, who told the students about the equipment he carries and his experiences in law enforcement.
The children asked Nevling questions about his job and situations he has seen.
“It’s not like on TV,” he said several times, noting that dark-alley chases and shoot-outs are not the norm in Clearfield County.
“Our mail goal as law enforcement officers is to protect you.”
Legal Eagles was started by the Young Lawyers Division of the Clearfield County Bar Association and has grown to include Curwensville, St. Francis, West Branch and new this year, Moshannon Valley and Philipsburg-Osceola.
Sam Bressler, student at Curwensville said he was not sure what to expect from the program but that he looked forward to it. Shawn Ebersole said he wanted to learn more about police officers.
Nicole Harker said she had an older sibling that went through the program and that it always “sounded cool.” She is looking forward to visiting the Clearfield County Jail and the Clearfield County Courthouse.
Legal Eagles Coordinator Mark Falvo works to ensure that programs teach the same things but perhaps with a special guest.
Representatives from the FBI and Secret Service have attended Legal Eagles events in the past.
As for what is on tap for this year, Falvo said, “The kids will just have to wait and see!”