ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont County Sheriff David M. Lucas has announced that his office has received a $2,635 grant from the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. These funds will help support the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Post 7 of the Law Enforcement Explorer Program.

Law Enforcement Exploring Programs are a nationally recognized, hands-on program open to Belmont County and surrounding area young men and women who have completed the eighth grade and are at least 14 years old and under the age of 21, and have an interest in law enforcement or the criminal justice system.

The program is designed to promote personal growth, character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship, patriotism, and interpersonal communication skills. These attributes are developed through training, practical experiences, mentoring, competition, and other activities. Since its inception, the BCSO Explorer Program has been funded by the Sheriff’s Office and donations from the BCSO Explorer leadership staff and advisors.

“The Explorer Program is important to getting and keeping our youth involved in law enforcement and criminal justice,” Lucas said. “It has been difficult to obtain the funds needed for national membership fees, training materials, uniforms and equipment. This grant helps provide support for these items. I appreciate the efforts of Sherri VanTassel, our Outreach Coordinator and an Explorer Advisor, in writing the grant and obtaining these funds.”

BCSO Post 7 Explorers is planning a recruitment event in January at the BCSO substation located in the Ohio Valley Mall, the back entrance, near Michael’s. Additional information will be provided, and any youth is invited to come, along with their parents to learn more about the program.

This will be BCSO’s second Explorer Academy Class.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio with the mission of creating opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy FAO partners with donors, nonprofits, and communities across the region. By growing philanthropic resources, convening partners around issues of importance, and awarding grants, FAO is working to ensure Appalachian Ohio is a region abundant in possibility.

For more information regarding BCSO’s LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER PROGRAM, visit www.belmontsheriff.com or email Outreach Coordinator Sherri VanTassel at svantassel@belmontsheriff.com. Applications for the Explorer Program are located on the website.