The Maryland Heights Police Department is now recruiting for its annual Citizens’ Police Academy, which will be held on Wednesday evenings from Feb. 4 through April 18, 2009. Classes run from 7 to 10 p.m., and most sessions will be held in the courtroom at the new Government Center, 11911 Dorsett Road.

The Citizens’ Academy was developed to help educate the community about the complex work that Maryland Heights officers perform. Topics to be covered in the 10-week curriculum include an overview of criminal law, crime scene investigation, patrol procedures and defensive tactics. Many of the classes feature hands-on experience, and students will also participate in a field trip to the St. Louis County Fire and Police Academy to practice on electronic firearms training equipment. Participants may also schedule a two- to four-hour ride-along with a Maryland Heights officer during a regular shift.

“The Citizens’ Academy allows residents to get an inside look at the broad spectrum of law enforcement duties,” Chief of Police Tom O’Connor said. “Our goal is that once citizens complete the Academy, they will have a better understanding of why we do what we do.”

Residents age 18 and older may apply for the Academy’s Class of 2009. For security purposes, the department will run a background check on all applicants. [Fill out an application here]

It’s hard to believe, but there are only a few weeks left until the start of the holiday season. The Maryland Heights Parks and Recreation Department is once again offering residents several ways to help disadvantaged families during this special time of year.

Maryland Heights Centre will be an official drop-off point for a holiday toy drive being conducted by Community Helping Ministry (CHM), which serves families in need throughout Maryland Heights, Bridgeton and other neighboring communities. Donors may bring new, unwrapped toys to the Centre Nov. 17 through Dec. 17. The toys will be distributed to children just in time for the holidays.

At the same time, donations of nonperishable food items will also be accepted for the food bank at CHM, which helps to feed thousands of area families each year.

Please consider doing whatever you can to help those in need this winter, and if you need more information, please call Maryland Heights Centre at (314) 738-2599.

On Monday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., the Maryland Heights Community Chorus will celebrate the holiday season with a free concert, followed by an audience sing-a-long of seasonal classics. Light refreshments will be served after the performance. The concert will be held in the auditorium at Maryland Heights Centre, 2344 McKelvey Road. For more information, call (314) 738-2599.