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SALT LAKE CITY — Ben Essex was one of roughly three dozen Salt Lake City Police Explorers to be given the Memorial Guardians pin at the State Capitol on Tuesday.
"I don't think I've ever had so much responsibility given to me," Essex said.
Those who are given the pin will take care of the law enforcement memorial on the Capitol grounds, but to many who get it, it means a lot more.
"An explorer is a really meaningful way to impact the community in a positive way," said Essex.
Essex is a sophomore in high school and has already started planning to become a police officer.
"I understand, nowadays, law enforcement really is getting a bad rap," Essex said. "But I feel like just because it's getting a bad rap doesn't mean we can't be there to support it and help it get its good name back, you know?"
It might not always be easy but to them, valor and hope are more than just words.
"The only thing we can do is get in there and try to do the right thing," Essex said.