Growth Through Opportunity Program

The Growth Through Opportunity, or GTO, Cadet Program is designed for young adults with unique challenges to gain valuable social experience and job skills by volunteering for the police department.  Each GTO cadet is given his/her own uniform and can volunteer at the department for up to 12 hours per week.  Cadet coordinator, Officer Travis Akins, works with each cadet candidate and their families to hone the volunteer experience specifically for their interests and goals.  The GTO cadet program has caught on throughout the Roanoke Valley and beyond, as now more departments within the City of Roanoke will have cadets volunteering and some nearby agencies, such as the Botetourt County Sheriff's Office, have started programs of their own.  For more information please contact Officer Akins. 
Email: travis.akins@roanokeva.gov