For the first time in several years, the City of Oneonta Police Department has an active Police Explorer Post.  Post # 1908 was re-started in December of 2008 and currently has six enthusiastic members, along with several adult volunteers. The objective of Post 1908 is to provide experience-based learning opportunities for individuals interested in working in the law enforcement field.  Police Explorers will act in a manner that ensures that they are viewed as professionals in the community, while providing assistance to the Oneonta Police Department.

(Pictured standing left to right:  Andrew Chase, Matthew Pidgeon, David Schulte.  Pictured seated left to right:  Tom Brindley, Patrick Brindley, Brad Wilson)

The Explorer program is open to males and females who are between 14 and 21 years of age and who have completed the 8^th grade. The core character traits that Explorers strive to maintain are: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Trust, Caring, Fairness, Self Discipline, Courage and Citizenship. Interested individuals should contact the Oneonta Police Department at 607-432-1111 and ask for Sgt. Douglas Brenner for additional information about the program.

(Pictured above left to right:  Dave Schulte and Ericson Brenner)

The Explorers made a recent visit to the State Police Barracks on Oneida Street and were able to see the NYSP MRT (Mobile Response Team) armored vehicle.  Pictured below with the explorers are Sgt. Tim Pidgeon from the NYSP MRT (black t-shirt) and Trooper Jason Mattice from the NYSP MRT (lighter colored t-shirt).  Pictured with the explorers from the OPD is Officer Derrick Kruser.