A group of teenagers investigated a fire truck and hit the streets in police patrol cars on Tuesday during the last session for this year’s Youth Public Safety Academy.

During the academy, which started Feb. 25, 18 teenagers have toured fire stations, learned about bullying and drug awareness, used fire extinguishers, simulated hostage negotiations, learned about the dangers of texting while driving, talked about gang awareness, processed fingerprint evidence, learned about arson investigations and more.

Student Johnathan Munoz said his favorite part was an obstacle course in which the students participated.

Sanise Hall, another participant, said she enjoyed learning how to use a fire extinguisher. She’s aiming for a career as a criminal profiler.

Students have learned skills they will be able to use later in life, no matter their eventual careers. Police officers and firefighters became their mentors during the program.

“We teach respect, discipline, self-esteem,” said Detective Joyce Williams, one of the leaders of the academy. “Team building is a big thing. They have to work together to accomplish it.”

Assistant Fire Marshal Gary Lassiter, another of the leaders, said the students learn how to interview for jobs and how to be good citizens in general.

Students in the academy are referred either because they are having trouble at home or in school or because they are interested in a public safety career. This is the 11th session of the Youth Public Safety Academy, which has been held yearly except for one year in which two sessions were held.

Williams said the academy has become extremely popular, with dozens of applications coming in every year for only 18 spots. It started with a grant 10 years ago but has been funded by the city since the grant ended.

“I think it has been so popular, because it’s been so successful,” Williams said, adding that many former academy students have gone on to the military or to college. “We really give these kids a lot of attention and show them that we care.”

Just this year, students are already making changes in their behavior, Williams said. One young man reported he was pushed in school, but instead of responding to the instigator likewise, he simply walked to the principal’s office.

“We try to teach better choices,” Williams said. “We try to show them there are options for you; there are better choices for situations you get into. We see a big improvement in the kids in all the sessions.”

As part of the academy, students come up with a community service project they can do together.

“They’re tasked with coming up with the problem, how are they going to address it, and making it happen,” said Fire Investigator Pam King, one of the leaders.

This year’s students will hold a car wash Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Western Tidewater Community Services Board, 135 S. Saratoga St. Proceeds will be donated to the Nobody Fights Alone campaign, which supports cancer patients at Sentara Obici Hospital. The public is encouraged to attend and support the car wash.