The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. – Crescenta Valley station is having its next Explorer Academy beginning Aug. 27 at the STARS Center in Whittier. Students will make an 18-week commitment for the Explorer Academy, which is held every Saturday.

Requirements needed include students having a GPA of 2.0 or higher; no serious criminal record/probation; ability to pass a drug screening; and submitting to a background check.

The Explorers will be trained in laws, searching/handcuffing, writing reports, handling calls for service (domestic violence, family disturbance, felony traffic stops, active shooters, assaults, etc.). When trained, they can go on “ride-a-longs” with full time deputies on patrol in La Cañada Flintridge or La Crescenta. As Explorers gain experience, they have the opportunity to go on ride-a-longs at other stations throughout the county.

The Crescenta Valley Station Explorers assist with numerous events such as the La Cañada Fiesta Days Parade, La Cañada Turkey Trot, Station Open House, Haunted Jail and Volunteer Rummage Sale.

The Crescenta Valley Explorer Post has attended over 100 competitions. The Explorers have earned hundreds of trophies and certificates for their participation in these competitions. During the competitions the Explorers compete against other Explorer posts from across the United States.

Meetings are usually held every second and fourth Monday of each month excluding holidays, school commitments, family obligations, etc.

Over the years local Explorers have gone onto the Naval Academy, Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard. Several Explorers have graduated the Sheriff’s Academy and became Los Angeles County deputy sheriffs, San Diego County deputy sheriffs, Glendale police officers, and Los Angeles police officers.

Those who are between the ages of 14 and 20 and are interested in law enforcement can contact the Explorer coordinator Deputy Marcelo Ruiz at (818) 236-4026.