Columbiana Explorer cadet Aaron Seman dangles from a city electric department bucket truck recently, as program coordinator Mary Kloss and Caleb Seman look on during a collective safety day hired by the city’s police and fire departments for the community. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

COLUMBIANA — The city has a junior unit that has proved to be a recruiting tool for its police department and law enforcement in general.

According to Mary Kloss, who coordinates the CPD’s Explorers’ program, the program is for young men and women ages 14 through 21 who are either interested in law enforcement or Emergency Medical Services as possible careers.

The Explorers are mentored by a team of dedicated Columbiana police officers who emphasize self-confidence, a strong work ethic and self-discipline to participants.

Currently Kloss, a patrol officer for Columbiana, said she has a group of five that regularly attends meetings, which are usually 7 to 9 p.m. every other Thursday.

In addition to falling in the teen and young adult age range cited, participants must be attending either high school or college and maintaining a C or better grade average, have good moral character and have no serious driving infractions or criminal record, according to the group’s page on the Columbiana Police Department’s website. They also need to demonstrate a willingness to serve others as well as be available for occasional community events.

Kloss explained that there is a nominal annual fee associated with participating, and those wishing to assist with the public events must wear a specific uniform. Otherwise to just attend meetings, the garb is pretty much casual.

The Columbiana Police Department currently includes six former Columbiana Explorer members, specifically five full-time officers and a part-time dispatcher.

The Explorers’ program started in 1985, and she began overseeing it three years ago after the previous coordinator retired. “We provide training in a variety of law enforcement and emergency medical topics (as well as) participate in local and national skill and knowledge competitions. We strive for an inclusive group of young men and women who not only believe in themselves but also in giving back to their community,” she said.

The Explorers cover everything from basic first aid to booking a prisoner during their training. They also have the opportunity to do ridealongs.

Several departments have former Columbiana Explorers on them.

For example, Brian McLaughlin is the elected Columbiana County Sheriff. Medina Police Chief J.R. Penny, Leetonia EMS Chief Robert Sanchez and former explorers are on Salem, Liberty, Alliance, Boardman police departments as well as the Ohio Highway Patrol, Secret Service and New York Police Department.

Former Explorers also are employees for Austintown’s fire and dispatch, Columbiana and Leetonia EMS and private EMS companies like Lane, Kloss concluded.

For more information regarding the Explorer program or its activities, call Kloss at 330-482-9292 or visit the department’s page on columbianaohio.gov.