Behind the Badge
It’s an open house unlike any other happening in Huntington Beach high schools.
These students are not showing off science projects or writing portfolios; they’re rappelling down buildings and putting out fires.
The Huntington Beach Search and Rescue Explorers will showcase these skills and more at an open house Thursday night.
“I want the parents to get some exposure to the activities their kids have been involved in, and how crucial of a role they play with our police department,” said program coordinator Huntington Beach Officer Joel Peterson.
Huntington Beach Search and Rescue started 50 years ago and has evolved into a unique program unlike any other in the nation, officials said.
The 25 teens enrolled in the program are trained in the four areas of public safety: police, fire, marine safety and search and rescue.
They take weekly classes and participate in exercises including how to maneuver a felony car stop and safely make a water rescue.
Explorers are also actively involved in Huntington Beach’s public safety efforts.
They respond to calls, man DUI checkpoints, help with large city events and participate in criminal investigations, Peterson said.
Thursday’s open house is also a way for prospective recruits and their families to see what becoming an Explorer is all about.
The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Joint Powers Training Center, 18381 Gothard St.
HB Search and Rescue is open to applicants ages 15-18 with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Once accepted, Explorers can stay in the program until age 21, Peterson said.
The next parent information night will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 4, and the next academy kicks off Sept. 18.
For more information on the program visit www.hbsar.org.
Contact the writer at jaimee3113@gmail.com
