(Brawley Police invited to the Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's THRIVE Graduation)...It is a California National Guard event.

Brawley Police Chief Jimmy Duran served as the keynote speaker at the event. He delivered an inspiring message about being E.P.I.C.: striving for Excellence in everything you do, pursuing your Passions, being Innovative for greater efficiency, and seeking Collaboration with others. Sunburst Youth Academy is a five and a half month residential program for at-risk youth that is operated by the California National Guard in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education. The program aims to intervene in the lives of 16-18 year old at-risk students equipping them with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline needed to become successful, productive citizens. The students earn 65 high school credits. The Brawley Police Department will be entering into a partnership with the National Guard's Drug Demand Reduction Outreach. As part of the collaboration, 3 fulltime National Guard soldiers will be assigned to support the Brawley Police Department's Fentanyl education campaign and assist with youth programs. The soldiers will be stationed with the Brawley PD Community Liaison Unit at the Brawley Lions Center.