From June 16, 2014 to June 20, 2014 the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office sponsored an Explorer Leadership Academy at College of the Redwoods for Northern California youth. Seventeen Northern California youth from Humboldt County, Siskiyou County, the cities of Rocklin and San Ramon attended the Academy which was taught by current and retired law enforcement and military. The Explorers were sponsored by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, the Eureka Police Department, Rocklin Police Department and San Ramone Police Department.
The Explorers stayed on campus during the entire week and slept in the College of the Redwoods Dormitories. Humboldt County Sheriff Mike Downey addressed the Explorers at the beginning of the Academy. The Explorers attended numerous classes including classes on ethics, basic and advanced officer safety, tactical communications, active shooter response, Tasers, prison gangs and force option simulator training. The Explorers were also given tours of the Humboldt County Sheriff Correctional Facility.
According to Humboldt County Sheriff Mike Downey, “The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is proud to sponsor this law enforcement leadership academy. This youth oriented program provides them with an opportunity to learn about law enforcement and leadership. Many of these Explorers will pursue careers as law enforcement officers”,
The Academy Director is Andy Broese Van Groenou, who graduated from an Explorer Academy himself 43 years ago. He currently is the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Coordinator. According to Broese Van Groenou, “This was our Fifth Leadership Academy and every year they get better. This academy teaches the youth to cope with life’s pressures.”
The Academy also would like to thank Humboldt Office of Education Superintendent Dr. Gary Eagles and the Humboldt County Office of Educations for the ongoing financial support of the program.
Academy Graduation is being held today at 2:00 p.m. at the College of the Redwoods Police Academy in the Basic Academy Courtroom.
The media is encouraged to attend.
Mike Downey
Sheriff