SHERIFF BACA AWARDS DIPLOMAS TO EXPLORER CLASS #67

The Graduation Ceremony for Explorer Class #67 was held on Saturday, January 26, 2002, at the East Los Angeles Community College. In awarding diplomas to the 153 young men and women, Sheriff Lee Baca stated, "I am extremely proud of these young men and women for displaying the dedication it takes to complete this training program. The many hours of volunteer work these Explorers provide will benefit and strengthen the relationship between the agencies and the communities they serve."

Along with graduates from the Sheriff's Department, Explorers from the following law enforcement agencies also received certificates: Gardena Police Department, Huntington Park Police Department, Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety, Monterey Park Police Department, Norwalk Department of Public Safety, San Fernando Police Department, U.S. Customs Service, and University of Southern California Department of Public Safety.

This Explorer class was comprised of recruits who attended the North Academy in Crescenta Valley, the South Academy in Whittier, the Antelope Valley Academy in Palmdale, and the Region II Academy in Lynwood. Four members of the class were named as Honor Recruits: Llesenia Gonzales, Jay Jay Liu, Reinhard Mazariegos, and Leina Reupena. Each honor recruit received a plaque from the Explorer Program, a scroll from Sheriff Lee Baca, and a check for $100. Three of the checks were donated by KTLA Television and the fourth was donated by the Antelope Valley Sheriff's Boosters.

The Law Enforcement Explorer Program is open to all young men and women between the ages of 15 and 21. Interested individuals may contact their local police department or nearest Sheriff's Station for further information.

SHB-5A-02

January 28, 2002