Explorer Training Summer Programs (2025-2026)
Riverside County Sheriff Explorer Post 503 will use the Anderson Children’s Foundation grant to support our 2025 Explorer Training Programs, which include participation in the Central Valley Explorer Competition, leadership and basic academies, a supervised firearms range day, and the National Explorer Conference. Funds will provide for housing, meals, uniforms, transportation, competition fees, and program equipment such as training supplies, patrol gear, and awards. These experiences equip Explorers with practical law enforcement training, leadership development, and enhanced physical and emotional growth in a positive, structured environment. The support of ACF will directly impact the success of our Explorers as they prepare for future roles in public safety and community service.
Contact: Phil Curia AHA/ARC CPR/First Aid Instructor, Admin Lieutenant Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol, Riverside County Sheriff Community Service Officer (Retired)
Explorer Training Academy (2024-2025)
The funds provided will be used to register and enroll several of our Explorers in the Riverside Sheriff’s Office Explorer Academy during the summer. It will also ensure that each Explorer is outfitted with a full Class A (long sleeve and tie) uniform, Class B (short sleeve) uniform, name tapes, name plates, commendation bars, Polo shirts (short sleeve or long sleeve), hats, and personal reusable hydration bottles. The funds will also be used to acquire training equipment to train for competitions. The training equipment wields a dual purpose as the Program’s Advisors can facilitate training for the sworn deputies at the station yielding an increased quality of service to the community. Funds will also be allocated to the registration, room, and board in the participation in national competitions in either Arizona or Nevada. Funds are also used to facilitate team building events and an annual awards dinner to recognize each member’s contribution and effort in the program. Recognizing attendance, tenure, hours invested, feats of training and prowess.
Community Projects (2021-2022)
The grant money received from the Anderson Children’s Foundation will bring needed equipment for the recently purchased box trailer. Fitting said trailer with chairs, tables, storage capabilities, generator, air-conditioning, lighting, etc. The grant money will also bring needed uniforms and equipment in establishing the Honor Guard, or ceremonial guard, for the Thermal Station Explorer Post. The primary role for honor guards is to provide funeral honors; however, an honor guard may also serve as the “guardian of the colors” by displaying and escorting the national flag on ceremonial occasions. The Explorer Post honor guard may serve as ambassadors to the community, presenting a positive image of their service, and assisting with the recruiting effort of the youth.
Your investment will complete the funding needed to implement the honor guard fully and the rest will push towards the needed additions to the box trailer.
Phone: (760)834-5881
Email: dcruiz@riversidesheriff.org
Honor Color Guard Unit (2020-2021)
Funds would help support our Explorer Post organization with Honor Guard Training, uniforms, equipment, storage and transportation by use of a box mobile trailer. We would like to use the money to continue to support our Explorers through training, competitions and setting up an Honor Guard that will be used for parades, special events, opening and closing ceremonies, funerals throughout the year. In addition, we would use the funds for our yearly costs associated with transportation, lodging and food expenses for two Explorer competition events and the Explorer Academy which develops the youth by teaching them respect towards others, paying attention to details, physical training and adhering to definitive specialty programs that will help Explorer build character and moral judgment.
Explorer Post 503 Competitions (2018-2019, 2017-2018)
Explorer Program is an organization of young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21 who are interested in a career in law enforcement. The Explorers learn the fundamental duties of law enforcement officers in various areas which include: First Aid and CPR, paying attention to details, being on time, keeping their school work grades at a B average, physical exercise, proper uniform, respecting every citizen regardless of whom they are and learning the various duties and assignments of law enforcement officers.
We are proposing funds to help support our Explorer Post organization with transportation, lodging and food expenses for Explorer competition events throughout the year. At these events, the Explorers expand their knowledge of law enforcement principles in everyday life. They also learn about respect, paying attention to details, developing healthcare, and working with all people regardless of color or creed. The evaluation process will be accomplished by the goals and objectives of the Explorers competing in the various exercises in law enforcement with regards to traffic stops, pedestrian checks, active shooter, crime prevention, man down, first aid and CPR.
Recently at the Excon event held this year in May, our Explorer Post received First Place for the Man Down competition. In past years our Explorers have received trophies for other areas of law enforcement. Additionally, we send our Explorers through an intense week at Ben Clark Training Center academy, teaching them various aspects of the law enforcement with regards to a deputy regular duties in line with his job.