ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS –
More than a dozen members of the newly formed Police Explorer Post turned out for their monthly business meeting and heard initial instructions on what is required of an explorer, together with plans for activities within the next couple of months.
The Post meeting was held at the Shore Casino at the invitation of Casino owners with gratitude for the Police Department’s service to the community.
Ptl. Davi Cunha, the Police Explorer post advisor, welcomed the group and their parents and outlined the uniforms the Explorers will purchase to be worn for all functions. Cunha also presented Explorer Post caps to each of the members, a gift from the post through a $500 donation from Sodon Electric Company.
Cunha introduced each of the officers of the post, including its two captains, Shannon Kenny and Shane O’Connor and outlined their responsibilities.
Personal Responsibility
Assisted by Detective Travis Morgan, the officers impressed on the teenagers the importance of acting every day in a manner that brings honor to themselves, their parents, and the uniform itself. He reminded them that because of their membership they also represent the police department itself and their actions are a reflect ion on the department. He pointed out that the onlooker, seeing the badge on the post members shirt will often assume they are actual working police officers. For that reason, he explained, each shirt has EXPLORER written in large letters on the back of the shirt.
Cunha also pointed out uniforms are only to be worn for Explorer activities and not displayed for any reason at any other time.
Activities
Out lining upcoming activities, Cunya noted there will be a shooting competition among explorers from posts in Highlands, Middletown and the Coast Guard in April. Four members will be selected to represent this post, based on their skills at practices all will be participating in on the shooting range.
With bike trips planned for the spring, Cunya also directed members to submit their bicycle serial numbers to him for inspections and to ensure each member’s bike meets all the regulations for safety.
Middletown
The Explorers will meet with Middletown Explorers for their February meeting to continue the rapport among the local posts. A majority of members of the local post attend Henry Hudson Regional School, though it is not a requirement to live in the borough to become a member of the posts.
Kevin Aravich of Leonardo, who is one of the two lieutenants in the local post, lives in Leonardo and said while he had previously been a member of the Middletown post, he joined this post for its proximity to his home and the ease of attending activities and meetings. Aravich, a senior at Middletown North High School, also said he has friends and relatives in the Atlantic Highland post and was motivated by their enthusiasm for the programs planned here.
O’Connor said he recognizes the added responsibilities he has as captain of the post and feels confident he can handle it. He joined the post because he admires the department and wants to be able to learn more about things he can do to help save lives and help others.
Kenny, who joined in October, said she thinks it’s “cool” to be a Police Explorer, but joined more because of the friendships it helps her form and the opportunity to meet more people. She is excited, she said, about the scheduled practices on the shooting range.
Lt. Phil Kozic said he was motivated to join by O’Connor and is looking forward to what he will learn and the activities that are being offered.
Meetings
The Post meets twice a month, with the first meeting a business meeting and the second for training. The training meetings will take place at a variety of locations, including the shooting range, other post’s meeting rooms, and other sport and athletic center locations.
Teens interested in joining the post can contact Ptl. Cunha at police headquarters.
Persons interested in donating to the newly formed post can send checks made out to the Borough of Atlantic Highlands with a notation Explorers.. Checks can be mailed to the borou9gh or dropped off to Chief Reinert at headquarters..
