In his native country, halfway around the globe, Rusulo Rusulo learned at an early age that police were to be feared.

"If you see the police, you zip your mouth," said the 26-year-old Somali-Bantu refugee. "You don't talk."

Through his participation in the Denver Police Citizens' Academy, he's come to believe that interaction with U.S. police officers is quite different.

Tonight, Rusulo and 10 fellow Somali-Bantu refugees will graduate from the three-month academy, with their awards presented by Manager of Safety Al LaCabe and Police Chief Gerry Whitman.

The 11 Somalis were chosen by elders from the Somali-Bantu Community Development Council with the idea that they, in turn, could help their families and friends adjust to U.S. life.

"It's hard to explain (to others), when you don't know the laws," Rusulo said.

When Rusulo was a boy, he and his family were forced to leave their home in Somalia because of civil unrest.

They fled to the Dadaab Refugee Camp, where he lived for 15 years and completed his schooling. There, he became fluent in five languages.

Before moving to Denver in 2004, he, his wife and daughter spent two years at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.

Since moving to Denver, they have added a son to their family. Rusulo enrolled part time at the University of Northern Colorado, hoping one day to obtain a degree in elementary education.

He also works part time at an elementary school tutoring and assisting Somali refugee children.

A large part of his free time is devoted to helping out on the community council and serving on the domestic violence and dispute committee.

Several months ago, Rusulo approached District 3 Cmdr. Tracie Keesee to get help learning about Colorado and U.S. laws.

Keesee pointed the group to Police Citizen's Academy coordinator Michael Jimenez, who helped the contingent to enroll.

"The group did exceptionally well," Jimenez said. "They were always on time, willing to learn, and accepting of the curriculum."

He added: "It was very clear they were there to learn how to better themselves and their community."

Academy graduation is important to Rusulo, as it means another goal has been realized.

"It means I am now aware about police rules and issues," he said.

"I know traffic laws and when things are against the law, and I respect them."

prietob@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5219