MCSO Explorer Academy teaches teens

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile County Sheriff's Office Explorer Unit is wrapping up this year’s Academy.

The Explorer Unit takes in young men ages 14-21 and prepares them for law enforcement.  They learn how to handle weapons, work as a team and go through physical training.

"We went through,baton,handcuffing,pepper spray; that wasn't fun,” said Eddie Gamble IV.

Gamble said his father works in law enforcement, and when he heard about the Explorer Unit, he knew it was for him.

"I considered it an opportunity to go and get my feet wet in law enforcement,” said Gamble.

Supervisors said they teach them not only how to be a man, but a "good man."

"The ones that want to go to college, we encourage that. The military, we highly encourage. Basically, you don't have to just want to do law enforcement. We just try to help them be a better person,” said Deputy Josh Rhodes.

The explorers are involved in community and participate in activities with deputies throughout the year. The academy is a week long program in the summer.

For more information about the program call 251-574-2423 and request to speak to Deputy Josh Rhodes.