From Explorer Post #995 to the Department of Homeland Security

With cans of silly string in their hands, several local teens with the Gulfport Police Department Explorer Post #995 waited for Explorer Advisor Seth Thayres to walk into a goodbye party on Tuesday night.

Within seconds of his arrival around 5 p.m. that night, the group of teens and young adults covered Thayres with bright colors of silly string.

This was a celebration and goodbye party for 23-year-old Seth Thayres. Thayres became part of the Gulfport Police Department family when he was 14 years old as an Explorer. He immediately began learning about the dispatch center. He become a school crossing guard at 18 and eventually became a dispatcher when he turned 19.

“He had an unusual talent of never getting riled up,” Police Chief Robert Vincent said.

Tuesday night was Thayres last day on the job. He recently received a dispatcher position with the Department of Homeland Security in Philadelphia.

“I’m glad, (but) I’m gonna miss them. I don’t think it’ll ever be the same,” Thayres said.

Thayres says his involvement in the Explorer program ignited his interest in law enforcement. He says it’s a great tool for teens and young adults and recommends area youth get involved. “Regardless of whether or not you want to be in law enforcement, you learn life skills,” Thayres said.

Thayres credits Francine Whitten for his knowledge about the department's dispatch center. “She taught me everything,” he said.

Thayres is a prime example of how the program can not only touch lives, but inspire lives as well.

“It’s pretty cool. That’s why we do it. I think it’s an amazing value,” Chief Vincent said.

Although it’s tough to say goodbye, Thayres says the new job is a “great opportunity” and will bring him closer to family.