Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara presents photos to NU Police Academy directors

Individuals from Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara presented a collection of photos on Friday to Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy co-directors Lt. Aaron Schultz and Det. John Faso.

The photos were captured during a visit to the Town of Niagara Police Department in September 2016. The project was made possible by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, administered through the Arts Services Initiative of Western New York. It allowed 18 students to develop an understanding of basic camera mechanics and learn about composition, lighting and focus.

In addition to the Town of Niagara Police Department, the individuals visited the Lockport and Bergholz fire departments.

"These sites were chosen because fire drills can cause nervousness for our individuals, not just because of the danger of fires and accidents, but also because of unfamiliarity with first responders," said Roberta Nickelsen, OUN's fine arts coordinator. "We thought that, if they had a chance to visit these sites to photograph them, it would make them more comfortable and provide opportunities for first responders to become more familiar with them, as well."

For more than 60 years, OUN has been the single contact point for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families. Through habilitation, supportive services and a caring touch, the organization provides the opportunity for everyone - from newborns to seniors - to reach their maximum potential. Learn more at www.oppunlimited.org.

The NCLEA was established at Niagara University in 2011, making NU the only four-year, private college in New York to host a full-time police academy. Coordination of the program on Niagara's campus is undertaken by the university's office of continuing education and criminal justice department.

The 64th NCLEA class will graduate May 10 during a ceremony at the Castellani Art Museum.

Applications for the police academy's next class are now being accepted. For more information, call 716-286-8181, visit www.niagara.edu/nclea or email [email protected].