Explorers Recruits Say Experience Is Life Changing

From June 23 to 30, Montville Explorers Post 805 has been training at a sleep away boot camp where new recruits and some of the more seasoned Explorers participate in physical training, classes, and other simulated police activities.

Some of the Explorers say the experience can be life altering.

"It's one of the toughest explorer academies in the country," said Ryan Taylor, an ex-Explorer who now works as an assistant advisor for the program. "We break them down, and build them up into different people for the better."

Frank Cooney, the Montville police officer who runs the Explorers program in Montville (he was also an Explorer beginning at age 13), says that his crew is one of the best in the state, and that they have had a lot of success in national competitions as well.

One Montville Explorer, A.J. Herring, took first place in a bike competition in the country during an Explorer nationals competition. He also set an all-time national record.

Patrick McGrath, 17, was elected by his fellow Explorers to be president of this year's class. He has been through the boot camp before.

"It teaches a lot of discipline," said McGrath, who wants to pursue a career in law enforcement. "It's a team effort…over time we learn to develop friendships as we work together."

Mike Cooney, Frank's nephew, wasn't sure that he was interested in law enforcement before becoming an Explorer. But now he knows it is something he could see himself pursuing as a career.

"You learn a lot about law enforcement," Mike Cooney said. He said that the three classes they take per day in boot camp includes K-9 demos and driving police cars. "After Explorers, I became interested in law enforcement; I liked what we did, enjoy it, and find it interesting."

Alex Zevits, at age 13, is one of the newest Explorer recruits. He joined in December of last year because his brother and two cousins joined, and has already seen some changes in himself as a result of joining.

"I believe I'm more disciplined and behave better," Zevits said. "Everyone is a team, we all care for each other and respect each other…they really change you and make you a better person."

Frank Cooney said that his group has approximately a 70 percent retention rate.

"It's definitely been a very successful program," he said.

For more about the Explorers, of the Explorers training at William Mason Elementary School on Wednesday.

The Explorers will hold a graduation ceremony on Thursday night. Check back with Patch on Friday for a story about the ceremony.