BRAZIL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse announced any high schooler that is interested in a free, weeklong leadership academy can now apply for the inaugural Sheriff & Police Explorer Academy.

While the program will be free, a sports physical is required for participants to attend according to Plasse. 24 applicants will be selected from the applicant pool of Clay, Greene, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vigo, and Vermillion counties.

Some students will stay at ISYR for the week, while others may be taken to and from each day to the 62-acre training facility outside of Brazil. 

“This year’s pilot academies will offer a mix of public safety training and recreation,” said Scott Minier, executive director of ISYR. “During morning hours, students will learn about K9s, first aid, crime trends, substance abuse, cybercrimes, dispatching, and investigations. Afternoons will be spent team building while swimming, fishing, kayaking, flying drones, shooting archery, and safely riding ATVs,” Minier added. 

Those interested can pick up or drop off an application or learn more about the program by visiting the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office. The application deadline is June 30.

Minier noted that additional counties will be added to the application pool as the program develops.