WCSO, Mt. Juliet PD Explorers Graduation Scheduled March 26, Now Recruiting for New Class

Wilson County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with Mt. Juliet Police Department has scheduled a special three-day academy for WCSO Post #328 and MJPD Post #465, culminating with a graduation ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Boxwell Reservation.

Anyone interested in attending the Explorers Graduation Ceremony is encouraged to be at the Boxwell Reservation located at 1260 Creighton Lane in Lebanon by noon. There will also be numerous other events from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. including an obstacle course competition and other activities.

Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post #328 graduates include ten people who have been learning under the guidance of Post Advisor Christopher Keyes and associate advisers, Corporal Emy Bates and Deputy Joseph Bowen along with Post Coordinator Lt. James Lanier. Mt. Juliet Post Police Department Post #465 will have five graduates who have been under the command of Cpl. James Christensen and Officer Jennings Taylor.

WCSO is currently recruiting for young people interested in applying to join the new Post #328 Explorers Academy, which will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Sheriff’s Office Training Room. Applications may be obtained at the Sheriff’s Office located at 105 East High Street in Lebanon. Anyone interested in participating can come to the class but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The registration is $25. A complete list of classes and dates is available upon request.

So far, an estimated 10 students from Wilson County Schools have signed up for the program. It includes more than 60 hours of training in criminal law, officer safety and survival, arrest and search procedures, emergency management, crime prevention, CPR, report writing, crime scene investigation, riding with sworn officers and a host of other skills.

“We welcome all young people in our area who are interested in a career in law enforcement or just exploring opportunities to get started on a path to a professional occupation,” Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan said. “It is geared to help young men and women with opportunities in citizenship service, fitness and social responsibility.”

The Explorers is a division of Boys Scouts of America and is open to Wilson County students who have completed the eighth grade as long as they meet the requirements, have parental approval and must maintain at least a “C” average in school.

“This program is designed to teach self-discipline, respect and integrity,” said Officer Keyes. “Our advisors will help the students learn to perform just as our officers do on a daily basis with expectations that they will become role model for others whether they are in class or participating in everyday activities just as we do.”

In the long run, Explorers will have the chance to compete with other explorers, including those across the country and possibly internationally.