Scouts graduate from program that gives insight into Border Patrol (Boy Scouts that is)

Sierra Vista Herald, Sierra Vista Arizona ^ | July 22, 2005 | Michael Sullivan

[SandRat]

PALOMINAS - Future U.S. Border Patrol agents may have been among 14 Explorer Post 869 Scouts who graduated Wednesday night from a three-month training program sponsored by the Border Patrol's Naco Station.

At least that's the thinking of some of the young men and women who turned out for the graduation ceremony at Valley View Elementary School.

"I have an uncle with the Border Patrol. I think it's a good program," 16-year-old Corey Roddey of the Three Canyons area told a Herald/Review reporter before the ceremony. "I learned a lot."

Asked what the most useful lesson was, Roddey said, "As a Border Patrol agent, the most important thing is to get home at night."

The Naco Border Explorer Post was established six months ago, at the direction of the station's agent in charge, Darcy L. Olmos. Agent Terrence C. Ford was the lead adviser, charged with establishing a program and recruiting boys and girls ages 13 through 20 from the Bisbee, Hereford, Sierra Vista and Tombstone area.

"They asked me to do it and I thought it was a great idea," Ford said.

Seventeen youths applied. Sixteen completed the training that began on April 20. Two 13-year-olds received achievement awards and will graduate when they reach their 14th birthdays.

Training was offered once a week in law, radio communications, use of force and techniques such as searching and handcuffing. The Explorer Scouts also learned how to handle themselves when stopping a vehicle and asking the occupants to step out.

Many, if not most, of the 10 boys and six girls were already interested in either FROM PAGE A1

law enforcement or military service, Ford said.

"Some are opening their eyes to the Border Patrol," he added.

Smartly attired in surplus Border Patrol uniforms as they mingled with sidearm-wearing agents, the youngsters maintained a military bearing and showed respect for elders, answering questions with "sir" and "ma'am."

"You learn a lot of good morals and ethics," said 16-year-old James Brady of Hereford.

Brady is considering a military career, flying helicopters and then joining the Border Patrol.

Caitlin Roddey, 14, Corey's sister, wasn't sure what she'll do after high school, but she liked the training.

"It's exciting," Caitlin said. "It teaches what to do in difficult situations."

In addition to enhancing her self-esteem and self-control, the training taught her more respect for authority, she said.

Referring to the training in traffic stops and the loud voice commands associated with that procedure, she said, "You have to be stern."

The Scouts will hang together after graduation, Caitlin said, continuing to meet at the Palominas Fire Station for further training. They'll patrol with agents and participate in national competitions and academies.

The post is one of six throughout the Border Patrol's eight Tucson Sector stations, Olmos said.

Olmos was one of two guest speakers for the graduation program. Dan Montoya, representing Border Patrol Tucson Chief Nicely, drove down from Tucson for the event. He was delayed en route by a traffic accident on Interstate 10, so the ceremony was delayed until his arrival.

"They're our future," Olmos said of the graduates.

Speaking of the program, which she became familiar with when stationed at Las Cruces, N.M., Olmos said, "It gets on kids on the right track."

[SandRat]

Nathan Barnes, 17, holds that squat with fellow Border Patrol Explorers prior to Wednesday's graduation held at Valley View Elementary School. The group of Explorers were put into their squat positions until the answer to a pertinent question posed by their adviser was given. Mark Levy€Herald/Review

[SandRat]

[cripplecreek]

"As a Border Patrol agent, the most important thing is to get home at night."


LOL

[RedBeaconNY]

Awesome. I'm glad every day that I'm in the BSA.