There are youth clubs for speaking Spanish, caring for animals and creating yearbooks. Not to mention
organized groups that represent almost every sport imaginable.
So why not a club to explore law enforcement?
The Wood County Sheriff Explorer Post is made up of young people, ages 15 to 21, who are interested in a
career in law enforcement. They meet twice a month to learn how to fire a weapon safely, negotiate a
hostage situation and defuse domestic violence.
Probationary members wear black T-shirts with a gold "explorer" emblazoned across the front.
Otherwise club members look similar to sheriff deputies with crisp, dark gray button-down shirts and
utility belts.
But it isn’t the big guns or fancy uniforms that draw teens to the program.
"I like working with people. I definitely consider myself a people person," said Jolene King,
who is captain of the Explorers and has been a member for three years.
The Bowling Green State University sophomore is majoring in criminal justice. But classwork doesn’t give
her the hands-on experience that Explorers provides.
"When I go through the academy, I’ll already have an idea what to do," said King, who is 18 and
from Portage. "It’s definitely a huge edge over someone who doesn’t have any law enforcement
training."
There are currently 22 members, and about half are BGSU students.
Tim Moore, a 16-year-old who attends Otsego High School, said he’s wanted to be in law enforcement since
he was a little boy.
"You get to help people. It’s a good job. There’s so much you can do for the community," said
Moore, who’s been an Explorer for 18 months. "It’s a really good learning experience. It’s
hands-on."
Adviser Deputy Brian Bonnough said the Explorers are run like a small police department. They have
assignments, must keep a high grade point average and pass a background check.
"We have a high standard," said Bonnough, who is also the county D.A.R.E. and student resource
officer.
In a meeting night last week, the Explorers were learning about firearms from Deputy Sheriff Earl
"Bud" Morse.
"What’s the most important part of handling any firearm?" he quizzed the class.
"Safety," they called out in unison.
Morse instructed them on how to hold a gun (always check the chamber first) and even how to breathe when
firing – take a breath in, let part of it out and shoot.
Later this month, the Explorers will be able to fire all kinds of weapons at the range.
In addition to the classroom lessons, the young people are exposed to real-life, community situations.

Last year the Explorers worked 18 events, including fairs and safety towns, and logged over 1,000 hours
of service.
At the Wood County Fair, for example, they patrol in pairs, staying in touch with deputies through
radios. They do not carry firearms or have arrest powers.
When it has the funds, the group also attends a state competition. Explorer groups from Ohio compete in
filling out accident reports and completing other police-oriented tasks.
"That’s a huge goal for us to go back next year," King said.
The Explorers is chartered through the Boy Scouts, but girls can join.
The Wood County Sheriff Explorers are having a fundraiser on Sunday at Varsity Lanes.
Tickets are $10 and include unlimited bowling from 3 to 5 p.m., shoes, a slice of pizza and pop.
For more information, e-mail Jolene King at [email protected]