By Heather Wells
Idaho Falls Post Register
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Jennifer Brookover knows there’s more to being a law enforcement officer than a uniform.
Donning a blue suit doesn’t automatically make one qualified to conduct a water rescue or handle a firearm - something Brookover’s gleaned while taking part in Law Enforcement Explorer Post 117, a program offered by the Bonneville County sheriff’s office.
Brookover is one of about a dozen youngsters taking part in the program, which is aimed at giving youths insight into law enforcement.
Brookover’s been an Explorer since 2006. She doesn’t get paid, even though she spends countless hours with sheriff’s deputies, but she gets the chance to take part in all sorts of training activities.
“It’s just a lot of fun, and it’s a great group,” said Brookover, an 18-year-old freshman at Idaho State University.
The local Explorer group formed in 1981. Each member is registered with the Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which charters the Explorer Post.
Each Explorer gets a uniform, too, and receives awards for completing activities such as scuba diving and first aid training.
The program can also serve as a launching pad for a career in law enforcement. In fact, a couple of former Explorers are deputies.
That’s what Explorer Brandon McIntier aspires to be one day - a narcotics officer - though not necessarily in eastern Idaho.
McIntier, who’s been with the program for about a year, was recently named an Explorer lieutenant. The 19-year-old also attended the POST Academy Career Camp over the summer in Meridian.
Hundreds of youth law enforcement trainees from all over the state attend the annual event, where they’re immersed in training intended to give them a taste of life as a law enforcement officer.
“Doing this has been an adventure,” McIntier said. “We don’t get paid with money, but we get paid with experience.”
Another current Explorer, Erin Poor, is considering joining the U.S. Coast Guard based on her experience in the program.
“You can’t help but like it,” said Poor, a senior at Hillcrest High School.
Keith Christensen, a deputy who’s been running the program for about five years, is happy to hear it.
“We have to start building our next generation,” Christensen said, adding that Explorers are great extra help when deputies need it. They help lug the gear when deputies are summoned to water rescues, for example, and they assist in traffic control after car accidents.
As one of the most decorated Explorers in the post, Brookover’s done it all. She’s also earned a slew of awards, including ones for perfect attendance at meetings and Explorer of the Year.
As soon as she graduates from the law enforcement program at ISU, she plans to apply to be a Bonneville County deputy.
“It’s a great group,” Brookover said. “I love what I do, and I don’t think I’d trust it to anyone else.”
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