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  4. Oroville Border Patrol Explorer Post conducts Winter Survival Training Course

Oroville Border Patrol Explorer Post conducts Winter Survival Training Course

Release Date
Tue, 03/28/2017
An improvised shelter built by an Explorer.
An Explorer from the Oroville, Washington,
Border Patrol Station Explorer Post emerges
from an improvised shelter during winter
wilderness survival training.

OROVILLE, Wash. – Oroville Border Patrol Explorer Post #0023 held its annual Winter Survival Training Course at Bonaparte Lake in the Okanogan National Forest on March 4 and 5. The course is modeled after Washington State University’s Law Enforcement Mountain Operations School (LEMOS), a rigorous course that provides law enforcement officers the basic knowledge to safely perform routine operations and survive overnight in winter wilderness settings. This year, the Oroville Explorers were joined by members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program for a total of eight Explorers and three advisors in attendance. The survival training had participants learn and practice the following skills: shelter building, fire starting (without matches), rescue signals, cold weather related illness/injury, and injured patient transport. The Explorers and advisors built individual shelters and spent the night in them.

Despite the freezing temperatures outside, everyone was relatively comfortable. At the end of their training, they participated in a scenario where they transported an "injured" Explorer to an area where he could be "extracted" to medical personnel. During the training, the Explorers endured cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.

Law Enforcement Exploring, is a non-Scouting subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America. This career-oriented program gives young men and women, ages 14-21, the opportunity to receive instruction on the purpose, mission and objectives of law enforcement, by working with local law enforcement agencies. Law Enforcement Exploring also provides leadership training, as well as opportunities for youth to serve within their community. For more information on Border Patrol Explorers, contact John Tafolla at (509) 476-3622.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021