Montville Police Explorers Graduate 29 From Eight-Day Academy

Inspections and crew cuts are the hallmark signs of any Police Academy. For the past eight days, 26 young men and three young women lived, ate, slept and trained, at the Ninth Montville Police Department Law Enforcement Explorer Academy.

The academy, sponsored by Police Explorer Post 805, is held every two years. This week, 29 Explorers spent twenty-four hours a day at the County of Morris Public Safety Training Academy. There they learned about bomb threats and white collar crime. From 06:30, to 23:00, each day was packed with classes and competition.

Target practice, crime scene investigation, physical training, personal grooming and simulations as varied as burglary-in-progress, emergency response, motor vehicle stops, and domestic violence calls were among the academy’s intensive curriculum.

On June 30, the 29 cadettes, who range in age from 13 to 20, graduated.

“You should be proud of yourselves,” said Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Matheu Nunn. “I would state that not very many of your peers could go through what you have accomplished.”

“One of the most important things we learned is team work,” said Patrick McGrath, president of the 2011 academy class.

Fourteen year old Rosario Riccobono of Boonton was among this year’s graduates. A year ago Riccobono was encouraged to attend a meeting of Montville Explorer Post 805. Her first activity was held in the William Mason Elementary School parking lot. She assisted with an emergency driving course exercise that simulates road chase conditions.

“I was hooked,” said Riccobono of the experience. “I couldn’t let go.”

Before her involvement with the Police Explorers, Riccobono noted she had “no clue” what she wanted to do as a career. Now she intends to serve in a K-9 unit, or become part of the Drug Enforcement Administration. She is also considering becoming a medivac nurse.

Riccobono said she had fun at the academy, particularly with the role playing scenerios.

“They put you in real life situations and taught you what to do.” she added.

The Academy is paid for by the Montville Township Police Department. Throughout the year, fundraisers are held to earn money to offset the expenses of the program. Each student also pays $325 to attend. Boy Scouts of America helps by volunteering for training opportunities.

Explorers is part of the Boy Scouts of America’s Learning for Life [LFL] subsiderary programs. LFL encourages students of all ages and both genders to try out careers before committing to one in college.

“Not everyone is cut out to be a camper,” said John Erskine, Field Director of Patriot’s Path Council. “But every kid has curiosity about what they want to be when they grow up. The Explorers provides students with a chance to try out a career before attending college." 

Patrolman and Explorer Club advisor Frank Cooney has been instrumental in developing the Explorer Academy’s bi-annual event over the past 18 years. At last night’s meeting he was awarded a citation by Grant Alexander Van Eck of the Patriot’s Path BSA Council.

“About 60% of them will pursue it,” said Cooney of the ultimate career choices this graduating class will be making.

Several team and individual awards were distributed during the ceremony.

According to parents, the academy provides kids with an opportunity to grow and mature, while having fun and bonding.

“I love it,” said Frank Danko of Montville.

His son, Sgt. Stephen Danko, completed his second Explorers Academy last night. In the fall, Post 805 will travel to the Colorado Rocky Mountains where they will compete in police scenerios on a national level.

Even though Sgt. Danko plans to be an accountant when he graduates college, He has enjoyed his time as an Explorer.

“He’s learning life lessons,” Frank Danko added about his son’s experience. “He’s learning how to develop into a man.”

Cadette, Andrea Montoya, 18 agrees.

“We’re a team,” she said. “You have to stay positive. Be mentally and physically fit, work together, and treat each other as equals.”