ONLY ON 3: ROTC cadets take to the sky in Bladen County

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — ROTC cadets in Bladen County got the ultimate hands on training today at Turn Bull Park. Middle schoolers from the Paul Brown Leadership Academy took their learning from the classroom to the sky.

“They’re learning how to establish a landing zone for aircraft,” said Sergeant Gary Turlington with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.

The cadets prepared all week, simulating the conditions of a helicopter at their school.

“Well Sergeant Kellam he has taken us to our gym field and he took like four chair, two in the front two in the back,” said Brian Dicoleman, a sixth grader.

Turlington said this is the first program of its kind in the county.

“It teaches them responsibility, integrity, and leadership,” Turlington said.

He said Sheriff McVicker is hoping programs like this will help develop a more positive relationship between kids and law enforcement.

“This is a reach into a community that otherwise we would have no option to reach into,” Turlington said.