Columbus Police Explorers Post 911 has official patch, recognizes designer

Published 10:00 pm Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Columbus Police Department Explorer Hannah Cantrell was recognized at the June 18 Town of Columbus council meeting for her outstanding design of the official uniform patch for the Columbus Police Department Explorer Post 911.

 The hand drawn design captures both the historic Polk County Courthouse as well as the Doughboy statute, landmarks of Columbus. A resolution recognizing Ms. Cantrell was read by Mayor Eric McIntyre and then presented by Columbus Police Department Officer Ron Diaz. Cantrell was also recognized at the council meeting for being awarded the rank of captain in the Explorers post.

 Cantrell, a charter member of the Explorers post, recently graduated from Polk County High School with an associate of arts degree and criminal justice technology certificate, and plans to attend Western Carolina University in the fall studying graphic design and psychology.

 The Columbus Police Department chartered Police Explorers Post 911 in spring 2013. Law enforcement exploring provides educational training programs for young adults on the purposes, mission, and objectives of law enforcement. The program provides career orientation experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities. The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to become responsible citizens of their communities and the nation.

 The Explorers program is open to young men and women ages 14 (and completed eighth grade) and not yet 21 years old with an interest in learning more about careers in the field of law enforcement. The Explorers program is led by Officer Diaz and has approximately 20 members. Bimonthly meetings and activities are held where the explorers learn various facets of a law enforcement career.

 In addition to the trainings, meetings and outings, the Explorers provide valuable volunteer service at the Race 4 the Fallen 5K run, the Fabulous 4th Festival, the Veterans Day Parade, the Christmas Parade and other events in Columbus.

 Anyone interested in joining the Columbus Police Department Explorers is urged to contact the Columbus Police Department at 828-894-5464.

 – Submitted by Lt. Nicholas Stott