The Gilmer Explorer Program is off to a good start, with 15 students currently participating.

Gilmer Police Investigator Roxanne Warren said that they expect more to join.

Gilmer Police School Resource Officer John Finney is acting as advisor in this new program designed to prepare young adults for career opportunities in law enforcement. The Explorer Program is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America.

Recently, more than $2,000 in donations was contributed by businesses and individuals to pay for shirts, uniform shirts and training materials for participants.

“We are trying to make it so the students won’t be out any money,” Investigator Warren said.

The program gives teenagers and young people an opportunity to learn different facets of law enforcement, including traffic enforcement, basic criminal investigation techniques and tactical exercises.

Guest speakers at a recent meeting included Gilmer Police Chief James Grunden, Upshur County Fire Marshal Paul Steelman, State Game Warden Lana Stracener and Gilmer Police Investigator Roxanne Warren.

Gilmer Police Lt. Mark Case and Assistant Police Chief T.J. Harris also demonstrated canine procedures with Gilmer Police Canine Sig.

State and national competitions are held yearly for Explorers to compete with other teams.

Competitions include traffic enforcement, firearm proficiency, crime scene investigations, team-building competitions and more.

The Gilmer Explorer program is open to anyone 15 to 21 years of age, regardless of their school affiliation or where they live. Explorers who want to take the challenge will also have scholarship and award opportunities.

Officer Finney said he is seeking support from the community and needs volunteers, sponsors and donations to help with various activities in the future. Finney said he implemented the program in an effort to give kids a positive perspective on law enforcement officers as well as offer alternative career opportunities to students.

Members of the Explorer Program will meet twice a month at different locations.

Anyone interested in participating in the program should contact Officer Finney at the Gilmer Police Department at 903-843-5545, Monday through Friday.

Those who recently made donations included Phillip Hill, Pct. 4 constable candidate; Jim and Pat Twilla, Pat’s Angelland; The Resurrection Shop; Mavericks MC East Texas; and Gilmer Discount Tire.

Also, Gilmer Wrecker Service, Wayne’s Auto and Truck Repair; Bodacious Barbecue, Croley’s Funeral Home, Grubbs-Loyd Funeral Home, First National Bank, Dr. Cherie Nazzal Hobbs, Gilmer Pawn Shop, Kimberly Peel; and Michele Griffith, Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace candidate.

Also, Gilmer National Bank, Brookshire’s, County Judge Dean Fowler, District Attorney Billy Byrd, Upshur County Tax Assessor-College Mike Smith, Parish Litigation Services, and Matthew Patton.