By: Shar Dimick
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Wauseon Police Explorers program gives youth the opportunity to learn about and gain hands-on experience in law enforcement.
Patrolman Ken Blankenship along with the help of his wife, Kerry Blankenship, and five full-time officers volunteer to lead the youth in the exploration of law enforcement.
Blankenship said that the Explorers “pretty much get to do everything we do.” He said that those members that have a valid driver’s license are even able to drive the police cruisers during mock training events, such as the ones they participated in at Owens Community College and the Water Treatment Plant last year. Blankenship said that all members receive CPR certification in addition to other training opportunities like the Taser training planned for next month. In addition to training, Blankenship said members help out at various events throughout the year such as the Christmas Parade, Homecoming and basketball games.
The Wauseon Explorers program is open to youth ages 14 (and completed eighth grade) through 20 and members don’t have to live in Wauseon to join. Blankenship said they have members from all over Fulton County and one member from Williams County.
The group currently has nine active members, including Conner Hicks, who was recently elected by his peers to be sergeant and new recruit, Rebekah Steele. When Blankenship asked Steele why she wanted to be an Explorer, she said “because I want to join the FBI someday.”
Blankenship said that the Explorers is a good place to start. He said that both the Wauseon Police Department and the Archbold Police Department have full-time officers that started out in the Wauseon Explorers.
The Wauseon Explorers program is part of the Law Enforcement Exploring program that is a division of the Boy Scout and members can earn badges, awards and enter competitions just as the Boy Scouts do. Blankenship said they provide the youth everything they need to participate, except shoes.
The next monthly meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 9 at 7:00 PM at the Wauseon Police Department.
Shar may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com