Lorenzo Teruya, 18, was one of three national finalists vying for the position of National Youth Representative for Law Enforcement Exploring; the highest position that can be held by an explorer. The selection caps off the annual National Law Enforcement Exploring Conference held in Fort Collins, Colorado. On July 19, 2012, Teruya was selected by his peers, which consisted of posts across America, to serve as the National Youth Representative for the term of 2012‐2014. He was sworn into office on Friday, July 20th, 2012.
Teruya, a decorated honor student and 2012 graduate of Poston Butte High School in San Tan Valley, was given a specially designed National Youth Representative Badge which was presented to him by Sheriff Babeu and pinned by PCSO Explorer Lead Advisor Sgt. Matthew McKenzie during a packed ceremony at his Alma matter.
Teruya now represents almost 35,000 law enforcement explorers throughout the country and will work closely with the newly appointed chairman of Law Enforcement Exploring, Mark Sullivan, who is also the Director of the US Secret Service.
Teruya has been a member of the PCSO Explorer Post #1875 since Sheriff Paul Babeu formed the chapter after taking office in 2009. During that time Teruya was instrumental in recruiting area youth in the county to join, and has excelled as one of the brightest members. Since joining the Explorers Post in July of 2009, he has risen through the ranks and achieved the rank of Lieutenant where he is responsible for the northern regional operations for the county.
He is currently attending Central Arizona College and plans to transfer to Arizona State University where he’ll study to achieve a Bachelorʹs Degree in Business Public Service & Public Policy and a Masterʹs Degree in Public Administration. After college, he plans to begin his law enforcement career in patrol, with hopes of promoting to a top administrative position within law enforcement.
Teruya is the son of Dave and Lisa Teruya of San Tan Valley.
“It’s an honor to have been selected by my fellow explorers, it means a lot,” Teruya said. “But, this isn’t about me. This is about American’s in law enforcement exploring, who we are and it’s an honor to be representing them.”
“It’s a proud day for Lorenzo and our Explorer program to be recognized in front of their community and high school,” Sheriff Babeu said. “Our Explorerʹs won the state competition and Lorenzo was elected at the Colorado conference, where thousands of Explorers selected him as their spokesman. Beside law enforcement training, our Explorerʹs learn discipline, self respect, teamwork and leadership.”
“He serves his community all the time and now he is on the national stage,” Poston Butte High School Principal Dr. Bob Poppalardo said. “He is our first alum to win a national award, the top Explorer in the nation and I hope others will dream big like Lorenzo has.”
Law Enforcement Explorer posts were established nationwide to help youth gain insight into a variety of career, leadership and community service opportunities in law enforcement. Youth Exploring offers experiential learning with lots of fun‐filled, hands‐on activities that promote the growth and leadership development of our adolescent youth.
For more information on how to get involved, contact Sgt. Matthew McKenzie at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
