Three years ago, Clermont Police Chief Chuck Broadway was attending a Navy Sea Cadet ceremony. He was so impressed with what he witnessed that he asked LTJG Gary Schindele if a program such as that could happen in Clermont. Schindele immediately started planning. The Clermont Police Department sponsored the program and Police Chief Broadway offered meeting space for the cadets at Police Headquarters. The Clermont Battalion was formed.
The Battalion trains during the school year and during school breaks. In addition, the cadets and adult instructors participate in one and two-week training at U.S. Military installations around the country where they learn lifelong skills and how to become leaders in their units, schools, and communities.
Commanding Officer LTJG Gary Schindele appeared to burst with pride when he recently spoke to Clermont City Council about the remarkable success on his cadets.
Over the past 3 years, the Clermont Battalion has rapidly grown to 37 cadets, ages ranging from 11 to 17. Last year the cadets gave over 1,000 service hours to the community. The staff of twenty adults has given over 1,500 hours of support toward the success of the battalion.
Clermont Battalion has attended over 50 trainings in Florida, the south east, California, and Puerto Rico. Schindele describes the training programs as unparalleled. The cadets can choose training in whatever field they want including Aviation, Coast Guard, Dive, Photo Services, Public Safety. The cadets have unlimited opportunities.
Congratulations to the Navy Sea Cadets Clermont Battalion and its staff on another very successful year.
