RUMFORD — Mountain Valley High School freshmen recently had an opportunity to learn about law enforcement, gain marketable skills, serve their community and have fun.

Mexico Police Lt. Roy Hodsdon kicked off an assembly for freshmen by describing the Mexico Police Explorers.

“Chief James Theriault and I have run an Explorers post for about five years. We teach what we do in law enforcement. We teach life skills like being on time and committing to a group,” Hodsdon explained.

Then he introduced the Explorers: Capt. Brittany Gaudet, Sgt. Tim Haas, Cpl. Katlyn Hemingway and members Nick Billings, Nate Billings and Jeff Burt.

Nate Billings discussed various aspects of the program as he showed slides developed by Nick Billings.

“First, you develop a lot of skills in Explorers,” Nate began, “such as leadership skills, respect for police officers and fellow Explorers, marksmanship, law enforcement protocols, people skills and discipline.”

He continued, “You will have the opportunity to participate in community service to better your community skills. Some examples include parades, flag folding and parking details.”

“We hold regular training days to improve our skills and knowledge of everyday law enforcement things like traffic stops, CSI investigation, arrests and self-defense,” Nate said.

In addition, Explorers go through rigorous physical training. They meet twice a week to for two hours of physical training. The program is based on a chart used by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and includes push-ups, sit-ups and running.

“Speaking of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, you have the opportunity to attend the academy for one week,” Nate explained. “It’s a great thing to participate in. It’s like the real academy.”

The Explorers do more than just learn and provide community service. Nate added, “Every once in a while we go out and do fun things as a group. This is a way for the advisers to say thanks. Examples are ATV rides, movies, barbecues and kayaking.”

Hodsdon rounded out the information by saying that Explorers go on “ride-alongs with Mexico officers and former Explorers have gone on to be successful citizens. Hodsdon said, “Cam Barrieau graduated from Mountain Valley High School a few years ago. During high school, he was an Explorer. Now he is almost done with his degree in criminal justice. He also works part time for the Mexico Police Department.”

At the end of the presentation, Gaudet invited students to pick up an application and informational fliers. “We will have a recruitment meeting soon, probably next week,” he said.