The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Post #500 is celebrating its 50th anniversary. When the cadet post was established in September 1973, the post had 45 teenagers participate in the program the first year.
Today, the cadet post is a career orientation program that lets participants experience the law enforcement profession firsthand. Over the past 50 years of the program, the cadet program has successfully launched many careers in law enforcement.
Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson, began as a cadet in 1986. “My time serving in the cadet post was invaluable. It helped not only launch my career in law enforcement, but I also learned valuable skills and gained life-long friends," said Johnson.
Cadets ride along with deputies on patrol, assist detectives, observe the operations of the communications center and work in the jail. Through their participation in the program, they can make an informed decision on if they wish to pursue the profession as a career. Cadets are frequently called upon to aid at a variety of public safety programs including traffic control at parades, presentations at school safety programs and participation in community fairs. Professional law enforcement training is provided, along with opportunities to attend a cadet academy, local and national conferences, seminars, and competitions.
Most recently, cadets have assisted with major incidents like the Marshall Fire response, community events like National Night Out and the Superior Chili Fest and have competed in several cadet competitions.
For more information about Cadet Post #500, visit their website.
