Explorers Post 911 was organized in 2013 for youth in Polk County who are interested in a career in law enforcement. This national nonprofit organization encourages youth to become responsible, law-abiding, and service-minded adults in their communities. It is open to young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21 with an interest in learning more about careers in the field of law enforcement.

Since its inception in Polk County, training activities for Explorer Post 911 have included crime prevention, traffic/crowd control, physical fitness, telecommunications, officer safety, vehicle searches, first aid, CPR, and patrolling community events.

These training activities are always conducted under the supervision of law enforcement officers and demonstrate the benefits that Explorers bring to their community.

The Explorers Post 911 members have applied this training to assist the Columbus Police Department at various town events such as the Fabulous Fourth of July in Columbus, the Labor Day Festival, the Polk County Farm Festival, the Race for the Fallen, Rotary fundraisers, and the PACRun.

For more information about Explorers, please contact Kelly Hamby at the Columbus Police Department, 828-894-5464.

– Submitted by Sandra Conway Warren