The Pierce County Sheriff’s Cadet Program was represented by 10 cadets at this year’s annual Apple Cup in Yakima, Wash. In attendance were over 60 cadets from various law-enforcement agencies in Washington.

The Apple Cup is an opportunity for cadets to meet and compete against other youth with similar interests while displaying their knowledge of various aspects of law enforcement. Cadets competed in staged events that simulated daily duties and dispatched calls to which a deputy would respond, including a traffic stop, burglary in progress, high-risk stop, suspicious person and physical agility. The cadets were evaluated on their ability to complete their tasks, properly apply laws, use of proper tactics, decision-making skills and knowledge of procedures.

Seven of Pierce County’s 10 cadets placed in at least one event.

• Cadets Megan Price and Nathan Wick brought home 1st place in high risk stop and 2nd place for burglary in progress.
• Cadets Alex Bailey and Jose Mendoza took 3rd place for assault/domestic violence and 3rd place for high risk stop.
• Cadets Brittney Davidson and Alex Brandt placed 3rd for suspicious person.
• Cadet Joseph Mager placed 3rd in the 300 meter.

The Cadet Program is for young adults between 15 and 21 years of age who are interested in a career in law enforcement. Cadets volunteer thousands of hours each year at various community events throughout Pierce County. In addition to performing community service, cadets attend weekly meetings and hands-on training, mentored by sheriff deputies on the streets and corrections deputies in the Pierce County Jail.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Cadet Program, the Sheriff’s Department is hosting an open house June 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the South Hill Precinct, 271 John Bananola Way E in Puyallup. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in drill down and street and jail mock scenarios.