Explorer Program

The Wilson County Sheriff's Explorer Program began in the fall of 2000 with six members.  To date the program has 25 active members.  The Explorer Program is designed for young men and women ages 14 - 18 who are interested in law enforcement as a career.  The Explorer Program reaches out to many young people to learn various police tactics, patrol procedures, drug detection, search and seizures, DUI detection, self defense, firearms safety and many other law enforcement topics.  

The explorers also learn to camping, canoeing, caving, and wilderness survival skills.  Each year explorers take a trip to Gatlinburg to snow ski.  Many of these outdoor activities teach these young people discipline, self respect, teamwork, and being able to reach their fullest potential. 

The explorers go canoeing down the Buffalo River in Linden, Tennessee at least three times a year, go caving in McMinnville at least twice a year, and camp various time through the year.  The wilderness survival trip is held each year at Camp Boxwell Reservation.  Explorers become dependant on themselves and each other, having to make their own shelter and cook their own meals.  

The Sheriff's Department also sponsors Boy Scout Troop #385. This provides younger children ages 10 1/2 - 13 with the same experiences the explorers receive.  

In the summer of 2004 the Wilson County Sheriff's Department hosted its first ever Explorer Academy.  Fifty two youth from our program, along with Gallatin and White House Police Departments participated.  The week long academy was designed to train the participants as police officers.  Much was expected from each cadet.  Each day cadets were required to exercise and run.  They participated in many team building games and exercises, as well as learning about law enforcement and its purpose in the community.

The 2009 Explorer Academy is set for June 21st through the 26th at the Wilson County Fairgrounds.  This year the cadets will be spending the night and participating in many night training drills.  

The Explorer Program and Scout Troop are supervised and conducted by Deputy Greg Lasater and Deputy Pete Mecher.  If you are interested in more information please contact us at 615-444-1412 or 615-351-7530.