Oakdale Patch Whiz Kids: Oakdale Police Explorers Recognized as Leaders, Servants

Oakdale Patch Whiz Kids: Linda Moua and Justin Johnson

Organization: Oakdale Police Department Explorers

Accomplishment: Moua received the Youth Community Service Award and Johnson received the National Youth Leadership Award at the Northern Star Council Exploring Banquet in March.

Oakdale Police Explorers aren’t officers yet, but they still find ways to be leaders, public servants and even heroes.

For example, Justin Johnson, who is studying law enforcement at Alexandria Technical and Community College, put his skills to work when he saw a motorcycle accident in front of his building, according to a nomination sheet. He administered first aid before the first responders arrived and assisted with traffic. Johnson was one of the first members of Oakdale Police Department Explorers, joining as a high school freshman in 2007. Now that he's away at school, he remains active in the local post on weekends, organizing trainings or events. He’s been active in recruiting new members, and served as a mentor for a younger member. In 2011, he attended the Drug Enforcement Administration National Law Enforcement Explorer Leadership Academy in Washington D.C.

Fellow explorer Linda Moua has only been with the Explorers since 2010, but she “immediately” stood out as a spokeswoman for the program, according to a nominating sheet. She was honored with the Youth Community Service Award in March. She represented the City of Oakdale and the exploring program in a report at the State Capitol in 2011 and was the emcee for the Northern Star Council Million Dollar Day breakfast.

“Linda represents a careful, kind leadership and demonstrates a profound model of citizenship that resonates beyond public speaking,” Oakdale Community Affairs Officer Michelle Stark said on her nomination form.

For more information on the Oakdale Police Explorers, visit the city website.

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