For over two decades, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has participated with the Boy Scouts of America in sponsoring an Explorer Post Unit for teens between the ages of 14 and 21. BCSO Explorer Post 117 utilizes Deputies to mentor teen boys and girls who are interested in the Law Enforcement Profession as they mature by exposing them to the different functions and services the Sheriff’s Office provides to our community. Explorers are used to assist our team at several community events, DARE Graduations, Honor Guard Flag Presentations, and Memorial Services. We stand side by side, learning from each other and helping positively mentor other kids.
Many Explorer Scouts have taken the skills learned in our programs and started a career with our team or other Law Enforcement Agencies, moved on to military service, or college and professional careers in our community. We see this program as a great way for teens to learn the role of Public Safety in our community, mature into leadership and team-building roles, and build confidence in themselves.
Teens interested in becoming a Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Explorer can fill out the application packet or contact Dep. Justin Cornelsen via email at: jcornelsen@co.bonneville.id.us
Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month during the school months. The Post conducts a regular business meeting and is given lectures in areas of Law Enforcement.
Training is provided to familiarize the Explorer with essential police tools and does not qualify or allow them to be used in the field. The exception is First Aid and CPR certifications.
- Firearms – Air Pistol and Duty Handgun
- Bicycle Rodeos
- Marine Patrol & Boat Inspections
- Learning for Life Awards in the areas of Law Enforcement
- Honor Guard
- DARE Graduations & Haunted House
- Boat Inspections
- KinderVision
- Shop With a Cop
- Traffic and Crowd Control
- Community Display Booths
- National Night Out
- Halloween Patrol
- Dive Rescue/K-9 Search & Rescue Training
- District and National Conventions and Competitions
- The Sheriff’s Office offers Explorers a ride-a-long program approved by the Boy Scouts.
- Explorers that are over 18 years of age can observe in the Jail and help out with the 911 Business Update Program.
- The Honor Guard is for highly motivated Explorers to represent the Sheriff’s
Office and assist with the Deputies Honor Guard at special events and functions.
Persons interested in becoming members of the Law Enforcement Explorers Post 117 can contact the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office at 208-529-1350 extension 1310. The contact Deputies are Justin Cornelson at 208-317-8440 and Sgt. Doug Metcalf at 208-317-8433.
