In front of a group of beaming parents, siblings and friends, the young men and women of Bel Air Police Explorer Post 9010 marched stiffly and smartly into the Bel Air town meeting last week.
The occasion was the presentation of awards and promotions to members of the small but dedicated group whose members are interested in a future career in law enforcement and who are already learning the value of service to their hometown.
BAPD Officer Rick Krause, the Explorer's post advisor for the past year and a half, explained to the guests, members of the board of town commissioners and town government staff that the Explorers are a group of young men and women who meet twice a month to learn and practice police procedures ranging from domestic dispute investigations to arrest and warrant service procedures.
And, when they aren't learning, they are helping, Krause said, assisting the regular police and participating in the Christmas parade, Fourth of July Bike Rodeo, BBQ Bash, Festival for the Arts, Lions Club fruit drive, the BAPD's child safety fair and Target's National Night Out.
Krause also said four of the Explorers attended the National Explorer Court in Colorado, where they represented BAPD in competitions with teams from around the country and, according to Krause, scored better than 90 percent in three areas.
He recognized three new post members, Ralph Green, Garrett Green and Samantha Boykin, and presented them with certificates, noting that all three have already participated in numerous community events and training sessions. They also received patches for their uniforms.
Krause said post members spend an average of 60 years annually providing community service and 40 hours taking training. They are tested on what they learn about police procedures and also take a physical training test and oral tests administered by other members of the Bel Air department.
He presented awards and promotions to Explorer First Class Adam Davis, Explorer First Class David Yip and Explorer First Class Gregory Speckman.
Similarly honored were Sgt. Jeffery Gray, Lt. Nicholas Rhodes and troop leader Capt. Kyle Cornelius, who at four years is the senior member of the troop.
Of Capt. Cornelius, Krause said: "He showed tremendous perseverance in the face of the post being vanquished due to the fact that he was the only member for a period of time. Captain Cornelius managed to recruit other members, which has enabled us to further recruit the finest of our youth to continue the great tradition of Explorer Post 9010."
Ralph Green received a commendation for assisting the BAPD in a theft case investigation in which he recognized and properly identified a suspect at his place of employment. This effort led to the suspect's arrest.
David Yip received a commendation for assisting Krause, who is the school resource officer at Bel Air High School, during a fight that developed between students in the school cafeteria last year. As Krause attempted to break up the fight, he asked Yip to secure the officer's radio and his police cruiser keys and to retrieve a second pair of handcuffs from the cruiser. Krause eventually subdued both fighters and arrested them.
"EFC Yip showed me his ability to stay focused in a volatile situation, which enabled him to follow my direction without hesitation, helping me to keep the school safe," Krause said.
"I'm extremely proud of this group and I know they will serve as great role models for their peers and the community," Krause said at the conclusion of the ceremony. Krause is assisted with the post by fellow BAPD Officer Kayhla Hendren and parking enforcement officer Karen Dupre.
