Sirens screech and lights flash as a patrol car zooms by as an officer responding to a distress call. Senior Evan Huang sits in the passenger seat, communicating with the station through the radio and going over the plan with the officer.
As an Explorer Training Officer for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Huang assists officers within the station as well as on the field.
At the station, Huang’s duties include finger printing, finding written reports and working the front desk. In the field, Huang is trained to respond via radio to emergency and distress calls. He assists during events such as the Camellia Festival by directing traffic or patrolling the area.
“One of the most difficult things that explorers can go through is a ride-along with a deputy responding to a distress call not knowing what to expect and what we need to do to help,” Huang said. “As explorers, we are expected to assist the deputy in any situation.”
In order to become an Explorer, one must be between the ages of 14 and 21 and participate in 18 Saturdays of training.
Huang completed his training during his sophomore year at the Sheriff’s Stars Academy in Whittier.
There, he developed leadership and team building skills and received an introduction to law enforcement. Huang is now a training officer and is responsible for training the new graduates of the academy.
Huang also participated in the Every 15 Minutes Program by directing the crowd and traffic around campus.
“I believe that Every 15 Minutes is a very effective program that allows teens to be more aware about the dangers of the combination of alcohol and operating a vehicle,” Huang said. “Teens must be aware not only of themselves, but also the people around them. Just because they are sober…doesn’t always mean the driver is. By helping out with the department, it gave me a different view as an Explorer about intoxicated drivers and the horrific accidents it can result in.”
This program inspired Huang to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and Forensics. He hopes to attend Long Beach State University and major in pre-criminal justice.
Huang will be on duty on Sat. May 4 during the Health Fair Run/Walk, helping with traffic control from 6 to 10 a.m.