The Explorer Program had its yearly Award Banquet on Monday, Feb. 9 at the Ontario Event Center. Explorers were awarded certificates for their community service, which combined, totaled over 527 hours for 2014.
Jacob Hoak received the Explorer of the Year for 2014 which he was nominated and chosen by his peers.
Deputy James Berry was the keynote speaker for the event. Deputy Berry started in the Explorer program at the age of 13 and continued throughout his high school years. Deputy Berry worked in Loss Prevention at a local department store which he credited the Explorer program for helping him get this job. Deputy Berry started his Law Enforcement career working for the Richland County Jail Division. He applied for a lateral transfer to Road Patrol and was accepted. He is currently in that position. Deputy Berry credited his experiences gained through the Explorer Program with helping him obtain positions at the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
The Explorer program is for teens from 14-21 years of age who have in interest in choosing Law Enforcement as a possible career. They meet every Monday night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office Classroom. Topics covered include interviewing suspects, car stops, traffic accident investigations, building searches, firearm safety and handling, and CPR and First Aid.
Events that the Explorers served the community in 2014 include the Shelby Bicycle Days, Shelby Cruise-In, Shelby Polar Express, Malabar Farms Heritage Days, Miracle Mile Motors Kids Day, Pamer Kids Day and finger printing children at the Richland County Fair to name a few.
Anyone interested in becoming involved in the Richland County Explorer program may contact Deputy Gary Kiener at 419-774-3571.