Four cadets graduate first Explorer Academy
—Courtesy photo Bonners Ferry Border Patrol Explorers No. 190 cadets graduate on Feb 4. From left PAIC Turner, Christian Nevarro, Dina Cook, Dawson Thomas, Ian Wallace, and OFO Eastport Officer Carmen.
By STAR SILVA
Editor
BONNERS FERRY — Four young adults from Boundary County participated in and completed the first inaugural Bonners Ferry Border Patrol Post No. 190 Explorer Academy.
Explorer Cadets Dina Cook, Christian Navarro, Dawson Thomas, and Ian Wallace successfully completed the Explorer Academy, which was hosted by Border Patrol Agents from the Bonners Ferry Border Patrol Station and U.S. Customs officers from the Eastport Port of Entry.
Supervisory U.S. Border Patrol Agent Stuart Bell said all of the cadets worked really hard and exceeded their expectations.
“All of the advisors and everyone here at the station is really proud of what they have accomplished,” Bell said.
Local employees of U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently collaborated to promote leadership skills and law enforcement careers for the youth in the Boundary County area.
The academy took place over two weekends in January and February and will be held once a year, according to Bell.
Topics covered at the academy included the basic overview of the missions of the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ethics, physical techniques, arrest techniques, proper use of force, winter survival, law, interview techniques, first aid, and firearms use and safety.
“Acceptance into the Explorer program requires a rigorous application and interview process,” Bell said. “Applicants really have to be dedicated to the program, and once they’ve completed that process, they’re required to attend the academy, which has typically been held out of state, until now.”
Once cadets complete the application process and the academy, the community service work begins. Explorer cadets serve community members in various capacities throughout Boundary County and are noticeably active at most community events, lending a hand where needed. The key role of an Explorer cadet is to serve, as their senior role models serve and protect the community.
In addition, Explorers are able to participate with rewarding opportunities within law enforcement.
Currently, Post N0. 190 is raising funds in order to be a part of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Week in Washington DC, May 2017.
Law enforcement officers from all over the United States gather for the annual event to honor the men and women who gave their lives to serve and protect.
Contributions for travel can be made through a GoFundMe account at gofundme.com/explorerpost190. The Explorers have set a goal of $15,000 to cover expenses for the nine cadets.
Information: borderpatrolexplorerpost190@gmail.com or Bonners Ferry Border Patrol Explorer Post #190 on Facebook.
Law Enforcement Exploring, is a non-Scouting subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America. For more information on Border Patrol Explorers, contact Stuart Bell at 208-267-2734 ext. 106.