Eleven young people will graduate tonight from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program Training Academy. The graduates have expressed an interest to serve the community and gain valuable experience for a career in law enforcement.

“Young people need a way to discover their talents and understand the importance of serving others. The Explorer Program provides opportunities for both. I commend our Training Academy staff and Coordinator Deputy Amber Roettgen for their efforts to train the Explorers,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

The ten-week course included an overview of Sheriff’s Office bureaus, policies, procedures and firearms safety. Explorers serve 16 hours a month in various positions with the Sheriff’s Office and are involved in community outreach projects. They also receive training which prepares them for careers as Sheriff’s Deputies, Corrections Deputies and other law enforcement occupations.

The graduation ceremony will be held tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office Training Academy at 993 Dovecrest.

Here are the qualifications for membership in the Explorer Program:

• Be between 14 and 20 years of age
• Have parental approval
• Pass a criminal background check and physical agility test
• Maintain a 2.0 grade point average in school

It costs $10.00 to join the Explorers with yearly dues of $7.00. For more information about the Explorer Program, contact Deputy Amber Roettgen at (901) 387-5923.