10/27/2009 - NEWS ADVISORY
City of Portland
389 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101
www.portlandmaine.gov
CONTACT: Nicole Clegg, 207-756-8173, 207-272-4477 (cell) nicoleclegg@portlandmaine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2009

Police Explorer Post Recognized for Leadership
Police Chief Craig presents new badges to graduates and announces new Explorer Chief

What: Tonight, recent graduates from the Portland Police Explorer Post #2671 will be recognized by Police Chief James Craig for their leadership and commitment to public safety. Chief Craig will also announce the appointments of five Explorers to leadership positions, mirroring the structure of the Portland Police Department, including Explorer Chief, two Explorer Lieutenants and two Explorer Sergeants. The Explorers will then be presented their badge and don their new uniforms for the first time.

Ater Ater will deliver a speech at this evening’s ceremony in his new role as Explorer Chief. The eighteen year-old Portland High School graduate was unanimously selected to serve at the Chief of Post #2671 by his peers in the post. Ater Ater is currently enrolled at the Southern Maine Community College earning a degree in law enforcement and is the first recipient of the James Angelo Memorial Scholarship.

With sponsorship from the Boy Scouts of America, the Portland Police Department established the Portland Police Explorer Post #2671 in August. Fourteen, men and women, enrolled in the program and have taken courses on the use of force, control techniques and even participated in a foot chase scenario during which each Explorer had to take a large non cooperative individual into custody. Following their graduation, the Post now meets weekly for in class lectures and practicals such as helping officers pamphlet neighborhoods with public safety information.

The Police Department will hold an Explorers Academy annually in August. The program is open to young adults, ages fourteen to twenty, who are interested in the field of law enforcement as a potential career. Members attend regular meetings, participate in a ride-along program, receive situational training and much more. For information about the program, email explorer@portlandmaine.gov.

When: Tuesday, October 27, 2009
6:00 PM

Where: Portland Police Department
109 Middle Street, Portland


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