Two Russellville police Explorers earn promotions

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Two members of the Russellville Police Department Explorer program were recently promoted in rank.
Officer Jeremy Hall, commander of the program, said Autumn McKinney, 17, of Russellville, was promoted from corporal to sergeant and 16 year-old Crystal Harris, of Russellville, was promoted from explorer to corporal.
"Promotion is based on leadership and participation in the program," Hall said. "Sergeant is the highest rank we have in the department right now."
Both McKinney and Harris joined the explorer program in August 2006 at the beginning of their sophomore year.
Both students said their experiences in the explorer program would help prepare them for success regardless of what career path they decide to take.
"I'm not sure about what I want to do right now," McKinney said. "I've thought about entering law enforcement but at this point, I am not exactly sure."
She said if she chooses to go into a different field, then her time as an explorer would have still been beneficial because she learned
leadership skills, communication skills and self-defense.
"It also keeps you out of trouble," McKinney said. "It gives you something positive to do."
Harris, on the other hand, wants to become an investigator, and she is certain the skills she is learning will come in handy one day.
"I wanted to go into investigations before joining the explorers," she said. "But, joining just bumped up my interest."
Harris said she really enjoys learning different techniques such as repelling, building searches and SWAT procedures.
The Russellville Explorer Program currently has seven participants. The program is open to students ages 14 to 21, and the cost associated with becoming an explorer is $150, which covers insurance and uniform.
For more information, call 332-2230.