MOUNDS, Ill. (WSIL) -- Local law enforcement is being recognized for its positive impact on local youth.
The Mounds Police Department Explorer Program received multiple achievements at the Big Muddy District annual awards ceremony Saturday, January 19th. Chief of Police Edward Brown was named 'Exploring Advisor of The Year' for his role in bringing the national program to Southern Illinois. Five participants from the Mound Explorer Program also received awards.
Chief Brown, who came to Southern Illinois after retiring from the federal government, recognized both the absence of such a program and the need for it in the community. He says he spent a year and a half securing funding to establish program in Mounds, which is the closest one to Southern Illinois, with the next nearest being in St. Louis, Missouri.
Established just over a year ago, the Mounds Explorer Program aims to offer individuals aged 14-21 real-world experience in law enforcement. The program includes both classroom training and hands-on scenarios. It also allows students to travel the nation, meeting with authorities from other explorer programs.
Chief Brown expressed his pride in seeing his trainees apply their skills in their careers
"I have raised kids in this program already and, you know, one day I look to my left and my right and they're kicking in doors with me, you know, and helping me enforce the law so I've seen the program work," says Chief Brown. "I've seen it save young kids and I've seen it take kids who didn't need saving and help them flourish even more."
Under Chief Brown's guidance and with the support of local organizations, the Mounds Explorer Program has trained 14 explorers so far. Chief Brown hopes that the program will continue to grow and inspire youth to take control of their futures.
