August 9, 2011 > Explorer academy graduation Explorer academy graduation Submitted By Officer Gene Smith, Milpitas PD On July 11, three Milpitas Police Explorers joined Law Enforcement Explorers from eleven different agencies at the 6th Annual Law Enforcement Explorer Academy at the Evergreen Valley College Police Academy in San Jose. On July 22, Milpitas Police Explorers Mercedes Cruz, Henry Pan and Sarah Mendoza graduated from the academy. The 80-hour academy exposed Explorers to topics ranging from leadership and officer safety to crime scene investigation. Throughout the academy, Explorers were given written and physical examinations to test their knowledge of academy curriculum and their physical fitness. At the graduation ceremony, Milpitas Police Explorer Henry Pan received the Top Male Athlete Award for achieving the highest scores during the academy physical agility tests. Police Explorer Mercedes Cruz was also selected by the academy training staff to give an inspirational speech at the graduation. The Milpitas Police Explorers are young adults, ages 14 to 20, who have an interest in law enforcement and volunteer their time to assist Milpitas Police Department and the City of Milpitas at special events. For more information on the Milpitas Police Explorer program, call 586-2400.