Teens take 2nd place in law enforcement competition

Image
  • Members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 955 smile in front of their Tennessee cabin last week while at a two-day event.
    Members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 955 smile in front of their Tennessee cabin last week while at a two-day event.
  • A sheriff’s office Explorer practices firearm training during a conference in Tennessee.
    A sheriff’s office Explorer practices firearm training during a conference in Tennessee.
  • Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 955 practices firearm skills in Tennessee last week.
    Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 955 practices firearm skills in Tennessee last week.
  • Positively Putnam FL
    Positively Putnam FL
Body

Putnam County teenagers demonstrated teamwork and problem solving skills to come in second place out of 37 teams last week in a national competition.

The Boy Scouts of America Exploring Post 955 took their skills to Gatlinburg, Tenn. to compete in the Boy Scouts’ Winterfest, a two-day event where young adults competed in a variety of competitions and explored numerous career fields like law enforcement and fire rescue, according to the event website.

Deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office act as advisers to the Explorers and the program is designed to give young adults ages 14-21 an inside look at law enforcement or fire and emergency medical services careers, according to sheriff’s office officials.

Last week’s events, the agency said, was the first time the Explorers had attended a competition at this level.

The team of all-female competitors placed second in the “Unknown Trouble” event where they had to assess a situation and arrest the correct suspect, the sheriff’s office explained. They competed against other teams from across the Southeastern United States.

“We’re extremely proud of how well this relatively young group of Explorers did at Winterfest,” Col. Joe Wells said in a statement. “Having the opportunity to be an Explorer helped me decide my future career would be in law enforcement.”

The sheriff’s office is still looking for young adults who want to participate in the Explorers. Meetings are Monday evenings at the sheriff’s office, 130 Orie Griffin Blvd. in Palatka.

In past years, participants have been able to experience ride-alongs with deputies, learn how to properly handle firearms, learn about traffic stops and handcuffing suspects, the sheriff’s office has written on social media.

Explorers have spoken at Rotary Club of Palatka meetings to tell about their experiences and traveled to other events. Wells said Explorers have a history of becoming full-time employees at the sheriff’s office, whether its patrol or corrections deputies or 911 communications operators.

“Those who go through Exploring in high school get hands-on learning opportunities with deputies who may one day become their peers,” Wells stated. “You don’t see that in a lot of other careers.”