Pfc. Gerson Cruz of the Mount Rainier Police Department was a former Explorer, now he is leading the Mount Rainier Police Explorers Program with 40 youth members.
The program is a fun and safe way for teens and pre-teens to learn about the field of Law Enforcement. Explorers participate in various activities such as Community events, ride-alongs, traffic control, and school visits.
PFC Cruz's tremendous job in leading our youth went unnoticed. On May 31, WeOwnAdventure.Com, a Scouting news website in the DC area released an article about Cruz and the Police Explorers Program.
Check out his inspiring story below or click here.
Former Explorer, Now Officer, Forms a New Post
by Cynthia Griffiths
Post 1910 at their recent inaugural banquet.
Gerson Cruz participated in Scouting as an Explorer in Prince George’s Police Department. After he graduated, he was hired by the neighboring police department in Mount Rainier, where he founded an Exploring Post.
“Being an Explorer for Post 600 in Prince George’s County really showed me what it meant to be able to help the community and reach my goal of being a police officer!” said Gerson Cruz. “My goal had always to give back to the community that gave me so much when I was an Explorer and living in a very low-income family. To now be in charge of Mount Rainier Post 1910 and have 40+ Explorers is surreal to me and makes me realize I finally made it. Without Explorers I don’t believe I’d be where I am in life today and for that I will give this program everything I possibly can!”
In one year, Officer Cruz has recruited 40 youth to the program which demonstrates an extremely successful recruitment effort. In our Council, he is our youngest Exploring Advisor to date.
