SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

The Governor&8217;s Office on Faith Based and Community Intiatives recently invited the Helena Police Explorers to the first annual Alabama &8220;Be Ready Day.&8221;

The Explorers provided crime prevention programs and child identification kits to more than 1,500 middle school students at the Space and Rocket Center in Hunstville Thursday, Sept. 14. Also, Governor Riley and Colonal Mike Coppage, director of Alabama Public Safety, met with Sgt. Mike Jones, Explorer Chief Cory Jackson and Explorer Training Advisor Michael Nelson.

While in Hunstville, Gov. Riley complimented the Helena Police Explorers on their recent first place ranking at the 2006 National Law Enforcement Explorer Competition in Flagstaff, Ariz.

He also spoke with Explorer Chief Cory Jackson about him being elected to serve as the 2006/2007 President of National Law Enforcement Exploring and National Youth Representative. Governor Riley said &8220;I am proud of you, Cory, for representing the City of Helena and The State of Alabama in such an important elected position.&8221; He went on to encourage Cory to pursue every dream and enjoy his time serving the National Law Enforcement Exploring organization. He then offered the Governor&8217;s office assistance with any needs during Cory&8217;s term of office.

He then thanked Sgt. Jones and the Explorers for assisting with the first annual Alabama &8220;Be Ready Day.&8221; The &8220;Be Ready Day&8221; is sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and more than 1,500 students attended emergency response training during the event. State emergency management agencies, law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel provided the training. The Explorers also displayed their 2006 Hummer H3 at the event.

After the Governor&8217;s Be Ready Day, the Helena Police Explorers attended the Boy Scouts of America and Learning For Life Executive Board Meeting at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

The Explorers are currently featured in a Milo&8217;s commercial, which airs on all local channels and the regional cable and satellite networks. They will also be featured on a local newscast with &8220;The Crime Prevention Minute.&8221; The Explorers will also hit the big screen by providing crime prevention messages prior to every movie seen at Amstar and Rave motion pictures nationwide