On April 24, the Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Explorers Post 925 competed in the 10th Annual Southwest Texas Junior College Regional Criminal Justice Competition in Uvalde. A total of 25 teams from multiple Explorer posts and high school criminal justice classes participated in this year’s event.
    The Law Enforcement Explorer Program is co-sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, the National Learning for Life Program and local law enforcement, in this case the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector.  The purpose of the Explorer Program is to prepare young adults, ages 14-21, for a career in law enforcement. The Explorers are exposed to the way law enforcement departments work through classroom instruction, training and practical hands-on experiences. The opportunity to participate in practical, real and meaningful hands-on experiences is also given to help develop leadership and interpersonal skills for use in the workplace and elsewhere. The Explorer Program aids with stimulating interest in continual education and stresses the importance of making good choices and decisions to assert oneself as role models for good citizenry.
    “Programs such as the Border Patrol Explorer Program are very important and bring a wide range of benefits to youth, families and communities,” said Hugo Vilchez, Acting Assistant Chief Patrol Agent. “This program helps explorers in their academic performance and promotes physical health. Providing a safe and structured environment in which our youth can grow is our main priority.”
    Explorer Post 925 knew the importance of striving for excellence, all the while showing great sportsmanship and respect towards the other participants. The hard work and dedication of each member of Explorer Post 925 helped them earn First place in the domestic violence category, second place in felony traffic stop, third place in sit-ups, second place in the one-mile relay, third place in pushups, and second place in building search. With a total of 1,050 points Explorers Post 925 was awarded First Place Overall Team and received a total of 17 medals.