ALEXANDRIA BAY, N.Y. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) held the first graduation of Explorers Post 0708 out of the Alexandria Bay Port of Entry. A total of nine Explorers graduated on October 24, at a ceremony held at the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) center in Watertown, New York.
The CBP Explorers Program is a work-based volunteer program for young adults interested in law enforcement. The program gives young people ages 14-20 the opportunity to learn about law enforcement careers first hand and serves as a stepping stone for a career in this field.
Explorer Post 0708 cadets began their training by learning about the operation of CBP and conducting an initial physical fitness evaluation. The cadets then continued with performing drills, physical training, scenario-based training and an organized run across the Thousand Island Bridge. Several of the cadets were also able to participate in a Boy Scouts of America event in Syracuse that highlighted an address from the former First Lady, Laura Bush. Additionally, the cadets that assisted in the event were able to personally meet Mrs. Bush.
“The CBP Explorers Program is a tremendous opportunity for the youth in our local community to learn about CBP and shows them an additional option for a career in the law enforcement field,” stated Assistant Director, Field Operations Buffalo Richard Roberts, who attended the ceremony. “I am incredibly proud of the program that was developed by our CBP officers here at Alexandria Bay and am excited to see the enthusiasm brought by these graduating Explorers.”
Congratulations to the first graduating class of CBP Explorers Post 0708: Jack Ingalls, Joshua Jacobson, Grace Knapp, Emma LaRose, Braden McLallen, Courtney Rayborn, Sydney Samphier, Nicholas Sawyer and Trevor Siegfried. Good luck on your future pursuits.