The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce (GTACC) named the Tomball Police Department Explorer Program as its “Officers of the Month” at the Chamber’s First Friday Luncheon Nov. 5.

On hand to accept the award were members of the program James Manners, Austin McWilliams, Victoria Olson, Tomball Police Chief Robert Hauck and Program Coordinator Sgt. Rebecca Carlisle.

Carlisle said that in 2009 Tomball PD held a Youth Citizens Police Academy and those who participated expressed an interest to stay involved with the Department in a similar aspect. 

Pictured, from left to right, State Representative Allen Fletcher, Sgt. Rebecca Carlisle, Stephanie LeBouff, members of Tomball Explorer Post Victoria Olson, Austin McWilliams, James Manners and Tomball Police Chief Robert Hauck.

Following the Academy, Hauck attended an area “Chiefs of Police” luncheon where he saw a “Learning for Life through Exploring” presentation. Hauck thought the idea would work well in Tomball and Carlisle recruited students from Tomball and Concordia High Schools for a similar Department program.

The Tomball Explorer Program earned the Officers of the Month award because of a recent competition the group travelled to take part in at Lake Bridgeport, hosted by the Fort Worth PD. The Tomball group earned six trophies while competing against 12 other agencies.

Learning for Life through Exploring is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, but is considered a separate organization.

Explorer programs do not necessarily work with police departments, Carlisle explained.

“Explorer posts can be sponsored by any law enforcement agency. There is also Fire Exploring, Aviation Exploring and so on, for those who are interested in a future in those fields,” Carlisle said.

She added that those involved in the program get a lot in return.

“They earn experience and on-the-job training from law enforcement officers; are seen and recruited by our department and other agencies, scholarships through Exploring, National Academy appointments and the opportunity to be recruited by the DEA, FBI, ATF or other federal agencies,” she said. “Tomball PD is hoping to properly train and prepare our future officers for a career with us. This is a wonderful recruiting tool.”

The Explorer Program is hosting an Open House Dec. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Tomball Police Department. Guests may see presentations by the Explorers and the training they are exposed to.

Youth wishing to attend must have a parent or guardian present if they are under the age of 17. Prospective Explorers also need to ensure they meet the requirements of the organization prior to the Open House. Guidelines and requirements can be seen at www.tomballpd.com or by contacting Sgt. Carlisle at 281-290-1312.

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