Rod Benders car club donates to Explorers

The Bonners Ferry Border Patrol Explorer Post #190 received a check for $300 from the Rod Benders Car Club this month.

Patrol Explorer Richard Powell said the Explorers were appreciative of the donation and said the funds will be used for the new recruits’ uniforms.

After an extensive selection process, four new recruits have been accepted into the group and will need uniforms, equipment and training.

The new recruits are required to attend a week-long academy in Whitefish, MT., where they are introduced to the basics of law enforcement.

“We’re introduced to federal and state laws and whatever a border patrol agent, customs agent, police officer, sheriff’s deputy or any ther law enforcement agent would be intorduced to at the acedemy,” Powell said. Explorer Post #190 does not receive any federal funding and is only able to operate with donations from programs and clubs in the community.

Rod Benders member Don James said they donated to the Explorers last year as well.

“The Explorers are great group and they are growing so they need our help,” James said.

The Explorers currently have nine members, ages 14 to 21. They hold fundraisers to support the post and volunteer extensively for various organizations throughout the community, such as the Boundary County Quilt Show, conducting traffic patrol during the Kootenai River Run in June, and recently installing 13 flag poles for the Veteran’s Memorial Park.

“We volunteer in order to bridge a gap between the community and Border Patrol,” Powell said. “It’s been a great learning experience, whether you plan to go into law enforcement or not, It has given me the opportunity to learn about all of the law enforcement fields that are available to persue as a career, and I’ve also had the opportunity to help people in the community at the same time.”