SEBA Releases Inspiring Short Documentary: “The Explorer's Path” —The Journey of Deputy Brandon Enriquez
“These are going to be our next partners out here on patrol and the next peacekeepers patrolling these neighborhoods”
The Sheriff’s Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA) is excited to announce the release of its latest short documentary, “The Explorer's Path,” a story about Deputy Brandon Enriquez and his transformative experience in the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Explorer program.
The film captures Enriquez’s journey from a young Explorer to his current role as a deputy sheriff, mentor, and leader of the Hesperia Station Explorers, where he now gives back by shaping the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
At the age of 17, Enriquez joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Explorer program, motivated by his parents, both law enforcement officers.
“I admired hearing the stories of the difference they made in their communities,” said Deputy Enriquez. “I wanted to do more and prepare myself for a future career in law enforcement.”
Now a dedicated deputy sheriff, Enriquez is paying it forward as the coordinator of the Hesperia Station Explorers where he balances the demands of the job with his passion for developing the next generation of law enforcement.
“These are going to be our next partners out here on patrol and the next peacekeepers patrolling these neighborhoods,” he said.
One of the most significant themes in “The Explorer’s Path” is Deputy Enriquez’s belief in not just teaching law enforcement tactics, but also providing Explorers with life skills that will benefit them in any career or life path
“Not only are we teaching these kids law enforcement skills… but we’re teaching them life skills that are going to help them be successful, in their future professions and life in general, as a productive member of society.
For more stories like this, follow us on @sebasbcounty to stay connected with the heroes behind the badge. Thank you the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Hesperia Police Department for allowing us access to help tell this story.
Q&A WITH DEPUTY ENRIQUEZ
“I understand that each contact I have with a member of the public has an impact and I strive to make each impact a positive one.”
Can you share a bit about your own journey as a young Explorer? What first drew you to the program, and how did it shape who you are today?
I heard about the details of the program through my school resource officer at the high school I attended. I knew I always wanted to be a law enforcement officer and I heard that this program could help better prepare me for a future career in law enforcement. This program allowed me to connect with members of my community, learn, critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and taught me state law. It also assisted me immensely in the Academy and to this day on patrol.
How did your parents influence your decision to pursue a career in law enforcement, and what values did they instill in you that guide you in your work today?
Hearing how my parents helped others and the calls that they responded to really inspired me into wanting to do that for myself. I volunteered with many city programs in order to help people, and I felt that law-enforcement would be the best way to help people in the community as my future career. My parents taught me integrity and to always treat people with respect.
What challenges do you see young people facing in your community, and how do you think programs like the Explorers can provide them with the guidance and the support they need?
I believe young people in my community lack communication skills and discipline. This program teaches young men and women how to communicate with members of the public and their peers as well as how to keep themselves disciplined and out of trouble.
What motivates you to serve your community as a Deputy every day, and how do you see your role in making a positive difference?
I am motivated to serve my community as a deputy sheriff every day because I love to help people and I love being able to talk to the members of the community. I see my role making a positive difference by knowing that every contact we make can protect lives or help people to improve their lives. Whatever enforcement action we may take can protect a family from harm, protect the community from disaster, or even prevent one less car accident. I understand that each contact I have with a member of the public has an impact and I strive to make each impact a positive one.
In what ways has your work as a law enforcement officer deepened your understanding of the community you serve, and how has it influenced your approach to mentorship?
Every day we experience mistakes that adults and juveniles make. Responding to these calls for service and being able to talk to these people and find out why this is happening helps us to understand better the community we serve and how to help them move forward. This also allows me to teach my Explorers on what not to do and what to be aware of as they grow to become successful adults.