COUNTY — The Madera County Sheriff’s Office just completed their second annual Explorer Academy with 32 Explorers participating, including candidates from the Madera County Fire Explorers, Fresno Sheriff Explorers, Madera Police Department Explorers, and Madera Sheriff Explorers. This four day academy is designed to provide a basic foundation for a career in law enforcement. With these graduates having completed the training, the Sheriff’s Office is now taking applications for new Explorers.
Explorers were taught a variety of topics including processing a crime scene and evidence collection, firearms training, helicopter operations, DUI investigation, arrest and control, first responder recognition for bomb threats, and Search and Rescue K-9 training. They also underwent rigorous physical training led by staff advisors during the academy. More than half of the Explorers fired a duty type firearm for the first time. The range training consisted of safety rules, basic firearms familiarization, and a short course of fire with a handgun and rifle.
Search and Rescue K-9 experts talked about different scenarios that related to real life situations from this area. The Explorers learned how the service dogs are trained and what it takes to locate missing subjects. California Highway Patrol helicopter pilots briefed the explorers on the operations of the helicopter (H-40) and how it is used for search and rescue as well as other missions. The H-40 crew displayed their new helicopter to the explorers and described what it takes to become a pilot with CHP.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office and the Explorers would like to thank the Sun Mountain Gun Club for allowing use of the range for training, and also thank the Elks Lodge for use of their building for graduation, so the families could attend. Over 160 people attended the graduation of the Madera Sheriff’s Explorer Academy.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for new Explorers. Applicants must be between 14 and 21 years old, be in good physical health, have an interest in Law Enforcement, and pass a background check. Interested candidates should contact Explorer Coordinator Jo Ann Evans at 559-642-3201 for more details.
