Hopatcong Police Explorers Firing Range Experience

Six members of the Hopatcong Police Explorers spent an October day getting a first hand look at one of the most dangerous parts of police work: firing a pistol.

The Explorers, a program of the Boy Scouts of America, gives young men and women from 14 through 20 the rare opportunity to work with patrol officers and learn what it takes to be a member of the force. Hopatcong Borough Police said six members of the organization were selected for an Oct. 18  field trip to the Sussex County Police firing range.

Police spokesperson Lt. Thomas Kmetz and Lt. Robert Unhoch served as guides for the Explorers for this special day where the young people would be permitted to fire guns. Kmetz said they followed the tried and true adage: Safety first.

"They first learned firearm safety," he said. "They were then able to see and shoot the qualification target used by the police under the direct supervision of the firearm instructors."

The unique experience was but one aspect of the program, Kmetz said. The Explorers meet on the second and fourth Thursday each month under the leadership of Community Policing Officer Edward Janosko. In these gatherings, the kids learn life skills, citizenship, character education and leadership, and they cover police tasks ranging from accident scene investigation and computer fraud to drug prevention and youth and school violence.

A meeting of the Explorers will take place Thursday at Hopatcong Borough Hall, 111 River Styx Road, from 7-9 p.m. Kmetz said the two subjects being covered in this session are domestic violence and report writing. Residents from ages 14-20 who hold a grade point average of C or higher, have completed 8th grade and are curious about a career in law enforcement career are welcome to stop by and speak with Officer Janosko, he said.