JCSO Offers Explorer Program

Jasper County High School was the scene of an active shooter drill Saturday.

While the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management Services and Fire Department collaborated for the training exercise, a group of young people waited to be victims. This group called Explorers would be the target of a trespassing gunman in the halls of the school. Anxious, excited and a bit scared were nine members of an elite cross-section of a generation that too many times has been the tragic story in the national news.

Kellie Evans is the captain of our local Junior Deputy Explorer group. This group partners with the Sheriff’s Office as a visual demonstration of law enforcement minded youth among the community. Prior to this leadership position Ms. Evans, while a Jasper County High senior, interned with the Sheriff’s Office and became interested in law enforcement. The school internship program allowed her an opportunity to experience a career option while still in school.

Under the direction of JCHS teacher, Dr. Tyson Hardy, the internship program has entered its second year and Ms. Evans demonstrates the success of this class option for students. Even after she graduated, the Sheriff’s Office welcomed her as part of the team and promoted her to head up the Explorer program that students are welcome to join.

For Saturday’s training, the Explorer group was briefed on its role in the active shooter drill and given various parts to play out during this exercise. Some members were wounded and others were casualties. This allowed all safety personnel an opportunity to train for their part in the case of an actual incidence.

Ms. Evans commented that, “hearing the alerts and calls on the various radios sounded so true to an actual shooting that she had to force herself to breathe, tell herself that this was a training drill and they had their backs.” “Be prepared” is the goal of this day’s exercise for the Explorer team and Jasper’s safety departments; the goal was not only met but made a lasting impression on all present.

To inquire about the Jasper County High School internship program, email Dr. Hardy at tharty@jasper.k12.ga.us. The program is open to upper classmen as well as business or organizations in the community interested in partnering with the school to invest in the future of young people.

Visit the school district website, www.jasper.k12.ga.us, to find out more interesting possibilities for students and how to become involved.