Benjamin Jimenez, from Chicago Heights, reflected on his younger self, admitting to a somewhat rebellious past, though he had yet to encounter any trouble. “I was less respectable and a bit mean,” he recalled. “I was a high school angsty young man.” Now, as a recent graduate of Bloom High School, Jimenez is on a new path.
Jimenez commands the Law Enforcement Explorer Post #102 in his city, serving for three years. His role involves guiding 21 youths aged 14-21 toward positive directions. Initially shy, Jimenez now thrives in public speaking, addressing fellow Explorers and veterans each Veterans Day. “I raise morale,” he noted, expressing his transformation into a confident individual.
Jimenez, like many of his peers, is considering a career in law enforcement. He is pursuing an associate degree in Criminal Justice at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights. “Law enforcement isn’t easy,” he explained. “Sometimes you have to yell.” Recently, he and other Explorers assisted with crowd control at the Fiesta Chicago Heights event.
Elisa Serrato, an administrative assistant with the Chicago Heights Police Department and advisor, supports the program. The lessons learned are tangible. The post recently won first place in beginner de-escalation at the Illinois Law Enforcement Youth Association state competition at Western Illinois University. They also engage in building searches and rapid response exercises at a local middle school.
Chicago Heights Police Officer Philip Esposito teaches Explorers how to respond to scenarios like locating a lost child, evidenced during the recent Fiesta Chicago Heights. Officer Philip Espinoza, supervising the program, once participated in Explorers himself growing up in Berwyn. His journey from a gang-impacted area grew his resolve to become a police officer. “I wanted to be part of the solution,” Espinoza shared, inspired by his father’s hardworking, risk-embracing nature.
Since the program’s inception, it has fostered police officers and military personnel from among its members. Police Chief Arturo Robles, who assumed his role in April after years as a city officer, echoes the program’s impact. Previously an Explorer himself in 1985, Robles has been committed ever since. “Our goal is to reach the kids in the community,” Robles stated, hoping to inspire future law enforcement careers.
Janireah Williams-Hale, of Glenwood and a senior at Bloom High School, shared how the program enhanced her leadership skills and gave her a sense of belonging. “It made me a better leader,” she said, participating actively in school organizations as well. Maria Roa, another post member, wants to positively shift public perceptions of police officers, stating, “I see negative portrayals and want to change that.”
Janice Neumann, the original article’s author, reports for the Daily Southtown.
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