Explorer Post 606 of the Salem Police Department recently participated in “Winterfest 2010″ in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Over 2,000 Explorers from 15 states gathered in the Smokey Mountains the first weekend in February to take part in a variety of law enforcement learning experiences. Thirteen of the 15 members in Salem’s Post represented the city.

Throughout the weekend, Post 606 members took part in law-enforcement oriented contests and individual competitions including bomb threats, unknown problem solving, felony traffic stops, and warrant service. Several Explorers also competed in individual air-rifle and archery events. Out of the hundreds of competitors, one of Salem’s four-member coed teams was able to capture 1st place in felony traffic stops.

Members attending included: Adam Battaglia, Roy Brown, David Boston, Timmy Carroll, Elizabeth Gibson-Cromer, Chris Gunter, Paul Hammond, Jennifer Hendricks, Bethany Poff, Jessica Sheppard, Lauren Snead, David Woods, and Daniel Wygal.

Five Police Officer advisors chaperoned the Explorers during their stay: Detective Stacey Sheppard, Senior Police Officer Scott Sheppard, Detective Stan Malek, Senior Police Officer William Weeks, and Officer Josh Shelor.

The Explorer Post is a program for youth ages 14-21 sponsored by the Salem Police Department. Members are introduced into the field of law-enforcement through both classroom and hands-on training that are taught by advisors, who are all Police Officers with the City of Salem.

Submitted by Mike Stevens