Explorer program holds graduation

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — The Monmouth County Law Enforcement Explorers Academy is where young people who are interested in becoming police officers begin their training.

On Saturday, April 9, the program graduated 25 young men and women from its 11th class.

Among the graduates were local residents Maleek Rivera, Eatontown, Craig Reeves, Long Branch, Nicole Moore and Tim Philips, Ocean Township, and James Migliaccio, West Long Branch.

“These young men and women worked extremely hard to be able to stand here today as graduates from this class,” said Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick, who gave the graduation address at the ceremony held at the Monmouth County Police Academy.

“Their hard work and dedication has helped them complete this program, and it is that same work ethic that will help them achieve success throughout their lives,” Narozanick said.

The Explorers’ program is available to young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20. It teaches them a variety of skills, including accident investigation techniques, criminal law, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, water safety, bias and white collar crimes investigation, firearm safety, how to handle domestic situations and write a police report.

Explorers typically assist with traffic and crowd control during large municipal events, such as fairs and parades, said West Long Branch Patrolman Brian Kramer, a co-coordinator of the police academy program. There are about 600 Police Explorers in Monmouth County, he added.

The next training step for graduates is the New Jersey Law Enforcement Academy at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, sponsored by the New Jersey Law Enforcement Advisors’ Association.