Mexico Police Explorers recruit new members

RUMFORD -- The freshmen at Mountain Valley High School recently learned about an exciting opportunity to learn about law enforcement, gain marketable skills, serve their community and have fun.

Mexico Police Lieutenant Roy Hodsdon kicked off an assembly for freshmen by describing the Mexico Police Explorers.

“Chief James Theriault and I have run an Explorers post for about five years. We teach what we do in law enforcement. We teach life skills like being on time and committing to a group,” Hodsdon explained.

Then he introduced the Explorers: Captain Brittany Gaudet, Sergeant Tim Haas, Corporal Katlyn Hemingway and members Nick Billings, Nate Billings and Jeff Burt.

Nate Billings discussed various aspects of the program as he showed slides developed by Nick Billings.

“First, you develop a lot of skills in Explorers,” Nate began. “Such as leadership skills, respect for police officers and fellow Explorers, marksmanship, law enforcement protocols, people skills and discipline.”

He continued, “You will have the opportunity to participate in community service to better your community skills. Some examples include parades, flag folding, and parking details.”

“We hold regular training days to improve our skills and knowledge of every day law enforcement things like traffic stops, CSI investigation, arrests and self defense,” Nate said.

In addition to knowledge-based training, Explorers go through rigorous physical training. They meet twice a week to for two hours of physical training. The program is based on a chart used by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and includes push ups, sit ups and running.

“Speaking of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, you have the opportunity to attend the academy for one week,” Nate explained. “It’s a great thing to participate in. It’s like the real academy.”

The Explorers do more than just learn and provide community service.

Nate added, “Every once in a while we go out and do fun things as a group. This is a way for the advisors to say thanks. Examples are ATV rides, movies, barbeques and kayaking.”

Hodsdon rounded out the information by saying that Explorers go on “ride alongs with Mexico officers and former Explorers have gone on to be successful citizens.

Hodsdon cited, “Cam Barrieau graduated from Mountain Valley High School a few years ago. During high school, he was an Explorer. Now he is almost done with his degree in criminal justice. He also works part time for the Mexico Police Department.”

At the end of the presentation, Gaudet invited students to pick up an application and informational fliers. “We will have a recruitment meeting soon, probably next week.”