Humboldt Co. Sheriff’s Dept. Press Release:

Sheriff Mike Downey is pleased to announce the donation of $1,000.00 to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Explorer Program by Old Town Rotary. The Sheriff Explorer program allows local youth to learn about and experience the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and its many divisions. “The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office explorer program is an excellent example of a youth oriented outreach that works extremely well. This money will assist with funding the Explorer Leadership Academy at College of the Redwoods which will be hosted by my office in June of this year. Through the generous contributions from the community we are able to facilitate the housing, feeding and structured environment for 30 youths who have shown an interest in a career in law Enforcement. I want to thank Eureka’s Old Town Rotary for their generous donation and their ongoing commitment to the youth in our community”, Humboldt County Sheriff Mike Downey.

Explorers get to ride-a-long with deputies, ride in the Sheriff’s boat, tour the Humboldt County Correctional Facility, Humboldt County Coroners Office and be trained in a wide variety of law enforcement jobs. Explorers have assisted with traffic and crowd control at various community events such as parades, “Every 15 minutes”, the Clam Beach Run, Fish Festival and other local venues. Several Explorers have been hired by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies in the State. Anyone between the ages of 14 to 20 years may apply and participate. The program helps youth interested in a career in law enforcement explore a job in law enforcement while helping the community and building leadership skills. Explorers attend a week long live in academy which will be held at College of the Redwoods Police Academy this year. According to Humboldt County Sheriff’s Explorer Program Coordinator Andy Broese Van Groenou, “The Explorer Program develops strong leaders. This money will assist with paying for the Explorer Academy. The academy is only made possible by the generous donations from civic organizations such as Old Town Rotary and businesses that donate to the program. The Humboldt County Office of Education recently committed to funding $10,000.00 to the program.”

“This is a great program that supports local youth. Old Town Rotary strongly believes in programs that supports youth and gives them opportunities,” Dax Williamson, Old Town Rotary President

Sheriff Explorer meetings are held at Eureka Senior High School. There is no cost to belong, uniforms are provided free of charge. The meetings are held in the evenings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. Access will be from the Del Norte Street side. Any interested youth between the ages of 14 and 20 are welcome! Anyone interested in joining the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Explorers may contact Explorer Program Coordinator Andy Broese Van Groenou at ph. 707-268-3647.

There is also a facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtSheriffExplorers.  

Photos provided by the Sheriff’s Dept.