The first academy took place at the Oro Valley Fire District June 4th through June 15th. Eleven PCSO Explorers attended the academy which involved classroom instruction as well as physical fitness training and scenarios.
Also in attendance were Lt. Scott Elliott and Deputy Danny Lopez representing the PCSO Air Unit. Both men flew up for the academy and provided all explorers with information about their duties and flight operations.
PCSO Explorers who graduated from the Oro Valley Academy on June 16th were: Matthew Santiago, Michelle Lybbert, Martin Morfin, Seth Swinton, Ceasar Morfin, Matthew Canella , Sebastian Arganis , Carlos Bermudez , Caleb Ibarra, Sara Payne and Zach Runice.
One day later, five PCSO Explorers attended the American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy held at Mormon Lake in Flagstaff from June 16th through June 22nd.
The week long academy consisted of approximately 40 youth from throughout Arizona and focused on daily physical training, demonstrations from SWAT, K‐9, Identification Technicians, D.U.I.’s and the D.P.S. Ranger helicopter. The cadets also learned Drill and Ceremony procedures and were required to demonstrate their proficiency by conducting marching and facing drills. The cadets finished off the week by completing a five mile graduation run. During the week long academy each cadet completed at least 500 push ups, 500 sit ups and ran over 30 miles.
PCSO Explorers who graduated from the ALLEC Academy were Dallas Rexstrew (Squad Leader), Dallas Lopez, David Horvath, Carlos Padilla and Zachary Runice. (Runice graduated from both academies.)
Deputy Scott Strobel, Explorer Post Lead Advisor stated, “I am extremely proud of our Explorers who attended this Academy. They gave 110% at all times and conducted themselves with honor and integrity. They were extremely successful during this academy.” ( Strobel also served as a counselor at the ALLECA.)
“All of these Explorers represented the Pinal County Sheriffs Office with great pride, integrity and honor,” Sheriff Paul Babeu said. “Citizens of Pinal County can rest assured knowing these young, local men and women are the future protectors of our families.”
Law Enforcement Explorer posts were established nationwide to help youth gain insight into a variety of career, leadership and community service opportunities in law enforcement. Youth Exploring offers experiential learning with lots of fun‐filled, hands‐on activities that promote the growth and leadership development of our adolescent youth.
For more information on the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Youth Explorer Program, contact Sgt. Matthew McKenzie at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
