LIVINGSTON PARISH, LA — The 2012 Southeastern Law Enforcement Explorer Academy hosted 160 explorers from seven states -- including Louisiana Sheriff Jason Ard says, 'The intent of Law Enforcement Exploring is to educate and involve youth in police operations, to interest them in possible law enforcement careers and to build mutual understanding.' Eleven cadets with the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office Explorer program participated in a summer academy held in Gulfport, Mississippi.

During the academy, explorers competed in firearm competitions. Livingston Parish Explorers were honored with top prizes at a June graduation ceremony:

First Place: Jonathan Barksdale (1st year explorer) - handguns
First Place: Explorer Sgt. Micah Rider (2nd year explorer) - shotguns
Second Place: Blasien Bond (1st year explorer) - handguns
Second Place: Explorer Lt. Austin Kirkes (2nd year explorer) - shotguns
Fitness Award: Taner Mansur - Most sit-ups
Lifetime Achievement Award - Darrell Arceneaux (24-years of service)

Livingston Parish Explorers have attended this academy for the past five years. During that time, our explorers have earned an impressive 29 awards.

Earlier this year, these explorers also participated in a competition in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Out of 3,000 explorers, Livingston Parish earned the First Place prize in the Tactical Fitness Challenge. They also received an invitation to represent the United States in a competition to be held in England in April 2013.

Explorers:
Dalton Kirkes
Mason Gray
Austin Bezet
Jonathan Barksdale
Brett Parent
Blasien Bond
Taner Mansur
Chase Carrier
Explorer Lt. Austin Kirkes
Explorer Capt. Brynne Harrison
Explorer Sgt. Micah Rider

Advisors:
Senior Advisor Cpl. Patrick Bedwell
Darrell Arceneaux (on Academy's Executive Board)
Sgt. Gene Higginbotham
Deputy Tate Magee
Deputy Robbie Ellis