Five young adults from Boundary County traveled to Bigfork, Montana, to participate in and complete the inaugural Border Patrol Explorer Program from August 9 through August 14. These individuals are the newly-formed Bonners Ferry Border Patrol Explorer Post #190. They had been Explorers for almost a year under the Bonners Ferry Police Department; however, due to staffing shortfalls, the police department could no longer sponsor the post. The Border Patrol had already been actively involved from the beginning, therefore it was an easy transition.
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The Explorers raised funds for their travel and meals while at the academy by hosting a car wash earlier in July.
Border Patrol stations from Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Whitefish, Montana; and Oroville, Washington all sent Explorers to the academy in Bigfork for a week-long training to earn their Explorer certifications. A host of topics were covered at the academy such as a basic overview of the mission of the U.S. Border Patrol, ethics, physical techniques, arrest techniques, proper use of force, survival swimming, ATV safety, law, interview techniques, first aid, and firearms use and safety.
The community should be very proud of these five future leaders as they will become the foundation of future Explorers to come. Congratulations to the new Explorers and a salute to all the advisors.
The U.S. Border Patrol is a division of the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, the unified agency charged with management, control, and protection of our nation’s border. The U.S. Border Patrol is specifically responsible for U.S. national security in the rural areas between the official ports of entry. For additional information on the U.S. Border Patrol or to report suspicious activity near the border, call 1-800-218-9788 or refer to www.cbp.gov