Mankato Police and Fire Department Invites Youth to Join Explorers Program for Hands-On Law Enforcement Training
By Ariel Kozlov
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The Mankato Police and Fire Department is calling on the youth to step up and join their ranks—not for full-time service just yet, but as part of the Mankato Police Explorers program, an initiative designed to educate and engage young individuals with interests in law enforcement and community service. In a recent post shared by the department on social media, they announced they are now taking in new members for the 2025–2026 season.
Open to students commencing from the 9th grade up until the age of 20, this program offers hands-on training that spans from theoretical to practical scenario-based learning, joined with opportunities such as ride-alongs with seasoned officers, which is intended to provide a foundational understanding of policing in real-world contexts. The training regime is scheduled on Sunday evenings starting in October, and it concludes in April with the State Explorer Conference, where members can compete and network with other Explorers throughout the state and potentially even further afield.
The program touts an impressive suite of opportunities for those enrolled, including volunteering at local community events like the Kiwanis Lights, Mankato Marathon, and the uplifting Shop with a Hero initiative. “It’s a great opportunity to build skills, serve your community, and explore a possible career in law enforcement,” the post explained the intent behind the initiative and the benefits it brings not just to the participants but also to the community at large.
Complementing the experiential aspect of Explorers, the program also supplies uniforms, training, and equipment to participants at no cost, thereby lowering the barriers to entry for prospective young law enforcers. Held at the Public Safety Center located at 710 S. Front Street, those interested in this melding of learning experience and community service can apply online or reach out directly to Sergeant Kelly Wood for further inquiry, whose contact details were readily provided in the department’s announcement.
