This past weekend, the Fairfield Police Department hosted the 2022 Explorer Academy at the Art Koch Training Facility, in partnership with the Antioch Police Department, Vacaville Police Department, and the Solano County Sheriff's Office. Twenty-two (22) cadets successfully graduated during a ceremony on Sunday, July 17, where Fairfield Police Chief Deanna Cantrell was the guest speaker.
Started in 2017 as an annual event and designed to serve as a miniature police academy, interested youth gain insight into the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition and other activities. The academy also promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism. Those accepted into the academy range in age from 14-18.
Cadets attending the four-day academy, which ran from July 14-17, stayed at the range facility overnight. A generous donation of sleeping mats from Pastor Morris and BayNorth Church of Christ, meant the Explorers slept well following days that included physical fitness training, team building exercises and drills in addition to the practical portion of the curriculum. Food was provided by the participating agencies, with Texas Roadhouse Fairfield graciously donating one night’s dinner for the cadets.
At graduation, awards were given for Best PT Performance and Best Overall Performance. Additionally, throughout the academy, Explorers received “Action Cards”. These cards were for both positive and negative actions as identified by training facilitators. The Explorer with the most positive cards also received an award.
In addition to invaluable life experience, graduates received certificates of completion.
A big hoorah for the Explorer Academy Class of 2022 and the hard work that made it possible!
