Explorer Academy Graduates 32 Cadets

Boot Camp Completion Recognizes Top Performers

The 2010 Law Enforcement Explorer Academy graduated 32 Explorers on Friday, July 30, 2010. The Explorers, represented the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Maria Police Department, Lompoc Police Department and Guadalupe Police Department, completed two weeks of rigorous academy life to earn the titles of Deputy and Police Explorer. The explorer program consists of males and females between the ages of 14 and 21 years old.

Several Explorers received recognition for their individual achievements during the academy:

Firearms Distinguished Expert/Top Gun Award: Explorer Matthew Dunaetz (SBSO Post 34-Lompoc);

Academy Leadership Award: Explorer Miguel Ortiz (SBSO Post 34-Lompoc);

The following two Explorers tied for the male Top Physical Fitness Award: Explorer Miguel Ortiz (SBSO Post 34-Lompoc) and Explorer John Hernandez (SBSO Post 34);

The female Top Physical Fitness Award recipient: Explorer Yaritza Ayala (Lompoc Police Dept-Post 700);

The Distinguished Graduate Award, representing the Explorer with the overall highest academic scores: Explorer David McCammon (SBSO Post 34-Lompoc);

And the Explorer with the overall highest combined average of instructional topics (firearms, academics, law enforcement tactics/procedures and physical fitness), earning the title of class valedictorian: Explorer Endi Maldonado (SBSO Post 34-Lompoc).

Special thanks to Academy Director/Senior Deputy Dave Robertson, SBSO and staff:

Academy Staff