SIDNEY — The Shelby County Sheriff’s Youth Explorer program recently began its fourth year of instruction. Under the direction of Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart, area youth interested in a career in law enforcement can join the Sheriff’s Explorer Post and receive a firsthand perspective of the law enforcement career field.

In a fun and relaxed classroom environment the youth Explorer receives instruction in constitutional law, good citizenship, ethics and standards, policies and procedures and other topics. Youth Explorers have the opportunity to be present and observe daily operations of the Shelby County Jail, the Shelby County 911 Communications Center and will be able to ride along with a deputy while on road patrol.

Youth Explorers assist with community service events such as the DARE Program, DARE Summer Youth Camp, Shelby County Fair, Child Identification Projects and many other functions. The Explorer Program is governed by the Boy Scouts of America and is based upon the emphasis of career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education and leadership experience. The Youth explorers meet on a monthly bases and complete other activities as scheduled.

Interested youth between the ages of 14 and 20 years of age can contact Deputy Brian Strunk at 937-494-2103 or Deputy David Spicer at 937-538-0336 for further information.