Hanford Insider

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The extraordinary impact of youth service programs in our community takes center stage as Sergeant Andrew Mazza shares the remarkable success of the Kings County Sheriff's Explorer program. With 11 years of law enforcement experience and a personal journey that began as an Explorer himself, Mazza offers unique insights into how this program transforms young lives while simultaneously strengthening our community.

Currently at its highest enrollment ever with 27 participants aged 14-20, the Explorer program provides young people with comprehensive training in law enforcement procedures, from building searches to domestic violence response. However, as Mazza emphasizes, this isn't primarily about recruiting future deputies—it's about developing informed, engaged citizens. "We don't use our Explorer program to train future cops," he explains. "We use our Explorer program to give youth an inside look at law enforcement and see if that's something they would be interested in doing."

What truly distinguishes the Kings County program is its resilience and growth during the pandemic when similar programs nationwide were dissolving. Through adaptability and commitment, the Explorers not only survived but expanded their reach. Their community impact extends beyond training exercises to numerous service projects—assisting at school carnivals, museum events, and the Kings County Fair. These activities not only benefit local organizations but provide Explorers with valuable experience in community engagement and leadership.

The program's success story includes impressive achievements in regional competitions, where Kings County Explorers recently secured second place overall among 16 competing posts. For young people considering joining, requirements are accessible: ages 14-20, maintaining a 2.0 GPA, good school attendance, and passing a basic background check. As Sergeant Mazza notes, "We'll have as many explorers as would like to join us."

Ready to support these young leaders or help a teen find their path through the Explorer program? Contact the Kings County Sheriff's Office today and discover how this transformative program continues to build bridges between youth and law enforcement while strengthening our community bonds.

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