The Algona City Council recently recognized the South Valley Police Explorer Post (SVPE) and its leaders for exceptional duty.

Algona Officer Robert Stephens was awarded the Police Explorer Advisor of the Year for 2011 by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the Washington Law Enforcement Explorer Advisors.

The WASPC and WLEEA also awarded SVPE Capt. Keith Nichols as Explorer of the Year for 2011.

Explorer Sgt. Tre’ Rosdahl received a $1,000 scholarship to a college of his choice.

The SVPE represent the communities of Algona, Pacific and Sumner. The program, open to career-oriented adults 14 to 21 in good standing, has been a part of the Algona Police Department for three years.

The nonprofit, dual agency supports the Algona and Sumner police departments. The four-year-old post is the first dual agency in the state. And because of its success, other agencies are beginning to use the SVPE as a model to tailor their Explorer posts.

The program’s primary purpose is to provide, through actual experience, a means to determine if young men or women would like to pursue a career in law enforcement. The program not only exposes young adults to the police world, but also provides mentorship, preaches values, encourages good choices and builds strong character.

The Explorers are accepting donations and applications. If you are interested in either, contact the Algona Police Department at 253-833-2743 or the Sumner Police Department at 253-299-5680.