LA Police Gear Scholarship

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to become a doctor. I was never obsessed with the idea of taking a patient's temperature or doing blood tests; I fell in love with the idea of helping people. At the age of five, I decided that becoming a doctor was the only way that I could achieve that goal. However, being a part of the Riverside Police Department Explorer program has redefined that idea. My older brother was a part of the explorer program for four months before I decided to join. Listening to the stories he brought home with him after every Wednesday meeting would intrigue me, and when I saw him in his explorer uniform for the first time, I knew I had to join. From the second my feet hit the grinder on recruitment day, I was sure I had made the right choice. I have been a part of the Explorer program for around three years now, and I can confidently say that I have found my passion and realized what I want to do for the rest of my life. I want to be a law enforcement officer with the Riverside Police Department. I believe that law enforcement is one of the most noble professions. Police officers dedicate their lives to saving others and making them feel safe. They understand that their vow to serve their community means that they might not come home one day, yet they still put on that heavy badge in hopes of making this world a better place. Seeing others pursue such a prestigious and respectable occupation was utterly eye-opening. It was truly inspiring to see how impactful law enforcement jobs are. During my time in the Explorer program I have been fortunate enough to meet several outstanding and inspiring police officers. They have truly taught me what it means to be a great police officer. Integrity, righteousness, and the unwavering desire to help others are all qualities that make a good police officer. However, some police officers exceed that standard and change people's lives. Detective Greenhalgh is one of the officers. When I joined the police explorer program in September of 2021, I was a timid 14-year-old girl. I watched as rank members and senior explorers took the lead and wondered if I would ever reach that level of confidence and leadership. That wonder slowly became a desire, and I started putting myself out there. I took charge of police scenarios and gave several speeches to the police chief and command staff. When rank interviews opened up, Detective Greenhalgh pulled me aside and told me he saw my dedication and love for the program. I had never felt so supported and seen. I was so grateful that a police officer recognized the hard work I had been pouring into the program, and his kind words inspired me to apply for a rank position. A few weeks later, I was promoted to explorer sergeant. I could never thank Detective Greenhalgh enough for the amount of confidence he instilled into me at the time and continued to instill throughout my years in the program. There are countless amazing police officers around the world who impact people every day. Officers should impact their community the same way Detective Greenhalgh did, by uplifting people. Great officers are humble and truly love helping others. They provide justice, security, and peace. In the future, I hope to become an influential police officer and change the lives of others.