Eight graduate from Law Enforcement Explorer Program

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

The Copperas Cove Police Department honored graduates of their Law Enforcement Explorer Program on Friday.

The graduation ceremony took place in the Police Department Community Room starting at 4 p.m. where eight talented cadets—Juliet Cardona, Curtis Dodd, Zada Hickey, Phillip Jackson III, David Jurado, Javier Ramirez, Josiah Yoncher, and Tristan Yoncher—received their certificates of completion. Juliet Cardona also received an extra academic award for completing the course with the highest score.

The Explorer Program is open to anyone between the ages of 14-20 who is interested in a law enforcement career. In order to join the program, they must fill out an application and go through an oral interview. Those who get into the program go through a three-week course and complete 120 hours of training. They must also pass their final exam in order to graduate. This year’s LEEP program was led by Cpl. Cyle Brewer and Lt. Krystal Baker.

“They do gain quite a bit of experience,” said Baker. “It’s a really neat experience watching them grow and they learn a lot about themselves too…Each of these cadets have shown a tremendous amount of growth in a very short time”

Baker said that the cadets gain hands-on experience and knowledge that will help them a lot should they pursue a career in law enforcement or a related field. The cadets learn about what law enforcement entails, but it also teaches them about self-growth, giving back to the community, accountability, leadership, and more.

“Overall, it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. For three weeks, every day we were learning something new,” said Phillip Jackson III (17) about his time in the Explorer Program. “I just learned so much…Everything was amazing and very informative.”

Jackson said that he hopes to eventually become a state trooper. In addition to the Explorer Program, Jackson is also a member of the high school criminal justice club as well as ROTC.

Jackson said that the class started out a bit quiet and awkward but that they quickly bonded, settled in, and developed a great sense of teamwork.

“It’s gotten me to open up a lot,” said Juliet Cardona (14) about the class. “I’ve met a lot of really great people who helped me to open up out of my shell and just be more comfortable in this class.”

Cardona said that she was proud of herself for being able to earn the academic achievement award and that she really enjoyed the class. Cardona said that she wanted to join because of her father, a captain with the police department, and because she hopes to be a detective one day.

“I wanted to explore my career choices and I wanted to be part of a team or something bigger than me,” said Cardona. “I want to make a difference.”