By Claire Sachse
Claire.Sachse@tryondailybulletin.com

The Columbus Police Department’s Explorers Program received a $1,000 donation Wednesday from the Rotary Club of Tryon for the purchase of uniforms and equipment.

“This contribution will have a huge impact on the program,” said Officer Ron Diaz, who spearheaded the establishment of the Explorers Post 911 in 2013, and who leads the group of seven high school and college students.

The Explorers Program is a law enforcement mentoring program developed by Learning for Life, a career exploration program.

Diaz plans to buy Class A uniforms similar to what Columbus police officers wear. The group is currently in the process of designing their own patch for the uniform.

Sandra Warren is the mother of Kesley Warren, a student involved in the program. She initiated the grant application with Rotary.

“The uniforms will give the Explorers more visibility as a respected organization and will draw more kids in,” said Warren Wednesday. “Community involvement for my son is very important. This will boost the organization and get them to the next step.”

Over the past year, the group has been involved in community events such as Fabulous Fourth, serving as eyes and ears for the Columbus Police Department.

They have also received training in handcuffing, searching cars, making traffic stops, and ethics.

Police Chief Chris Beddingfield said that he is grateful to the Rotary Club for the gift.

“It would have been hard for this project to continue if not for this funding,” he said. “This program allows kids to get a background in law enforcement so that they know what is involved if they plan to make it a career. The uniforms will give kids a feeling of professionalism, and people will recognize them as someone they can go to for help.”

Rotary’s Don Lyons, a 20-year veteran of the Philadelphia police force, presented the gift to the Explorers.

“This program develops responsibility, professionalism, and encourages members to make a contribution to society,” Lyons said.