Whiz Kids of the Week: Dunwoody Police Explorers

Name: Dunwoody Police Explorers

Ages: Ranging from 15 to 20 years old

Schools represented: Dunwoody High School, Georgia Perimeter College and home schooled students

Accomplishments: The Dunwoody Police Explorers competed in the 7th Annual Explorer State Championship on April 2, 2011, competing in 7 scenarios including trouble unknown, gang investigation, traffic stops, search warrants, verbal judo, obstacle course and domestic dispute. They faced 25 teams from all around the Atlanta area and finished 2nd place overall. They also took home additional trophies of 1st place in the obstacle course and 1st place in gang investigation.

Key to Awesomeness:

The Dunwoody Explorer Post #702, created in July 2009, is made up of boys and girls ages 14-21 that have an interest in a law enforcement career. Currently with 10 Explorers, the program is run by Learning for Life, which is a part of the Boy Scouts of America.

Explorer Lieutenant Max Gluck, a Senior at Dunwoody High School who has been in the program for 2 years, talks about what he has learned from the program saying, “Ever since I have joined explorers I have benefited. From competing in competitions, to assisting in roadblocks, to doing ride alongs, I have gained a lot of knowledge.

The skills the officers teach us not only help us with law enforcement, but help us with life. Explorers have not only made me the person I am today, but have molded me into the person I will be in the future.”

While all of the Explorers have an interest in law enforcement, Dunwoody Police Officer William Furman explains that it is not a reality that all of the teens will eventually go into law enforcement, saying, “We know that these teens are future C.E.O.’s, corporate presidents, entrepreneurs, etc. and we want to give them the teamwork and leadership skills to be successful.

They also learn about serving, both their communities and the program. The Dunwoody Police Department values the relationships it creates with the Explorers and is proud to prepare them for bright futures.”

Explorer Captain Zach Woodburn, Senior at Dunwoody High School, who has been in the program for over 2 years, said, “The Dunwoody Police Explorers have not only acted as a catalyst for my entry into the U.S. Army, but has also further enhanced my skills as a leader.”

Officer Furman added, “Most of the Explorers begin the program as shy and unsure about their future. After a couple of years, these same Explorers become supervisors in the program and develop strong goals for their future. Watching these young boys and girls grow into self confident, hardworking and goal orientated men and women, is by far my favorite part of the program. ”

 “The Explorers program with the Dunwoody Police Department has given me the opportunity to grow up as a person. It has also helped me build up my self confidence and the willingness to help the community without waiting to be rewarded at the end” said Explorer Sergeant Juan Lopez, Freshman at Georgia Perimeter College, who has been in the program for 8 months.