Media

Sheriff’s Office Explorers Graduate Tonight

Release Date: July 27, 2006

Ten 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, especially Deputy Amber Roettgen, the Coordinator of this vital program,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

The graduates have been training for the past ten weeks.  Their courses included Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, physical agility and firearms safety.  

Explorers help the Sheriff’s Office in many ways.  Explorers serve 16 hours a month in various positions with the department and are involved in community outreach projects.

They also receive “hands-on” training which prepares them for careers as Sheriff’s Deputies, Deputy Jailers or other types of law enforcement occupations.

The graduation ceremony will be held tonight, July 27, 2006, 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 history background check
• Pass a physical assessment
• Maintain a 2.0 grade point average in every school subject
• To join: One-time application fee of $10.00--yearly dues of $7.00

For more information about the Explorer Program, contact Deputy Amber Roettgen at (901) 387-5923.