Program Changed My Outlook

This summer, I experienced something that changed my outlook on law enforcement. I am 15 years old, and I was eligible to attend the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Explorer Academy. It was a two-week academy, and it was an impactful two weeks.

I learned an incredible amount of knowledge and received significant experiences. Over the two weeks, I learned how to value integrity, self-control and discipline. I got to participate in activities such as physical training and academic studies.

In PT, as a team, my class and I learned how to push each other when feeling like giving up. Teamwork was a very important aspect of this program. In the academics, I got to participate in scenarios that were very intense and very fun, which show how high risk calls threaten the lives of Police Officers every day. I am extremely positive that this experience, and how powerful and helpful it was, will help me to meet the expectations for a Tucson Law Enforcement Explorer.

I also want to touch on how sacrificial, impactful and inspirational the members of the Tucson Police Department, Marana Police Department, and Oro Valley Police Department were with advising and teaching my class. I will be forever grateful for their time and the wisdom they shared with me.

After this experience, I will never doubt how incredibly valorous and selfless Tucson, Marana, and Oro Valley Police Officers are. If you are a youth who is interested in the SALEEA or the TPD Explorers, you can apply at the Tucson Police Explorer Post 180.