Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46Our Visit to the Police Department: DDR, and a Tour ByYM/PFC Elise Murray Miami Valley (OH) Our visit last April to the Huber Heights, Ohio, Police department began with a discussion about the different kinds of drugs and we learned about street drugs, abuse of pharmacy drugs, and other types of drugs. After this, we asked questions, then we were given a tour of the department. We went to the hall and saw all the pictures of the police officers. They told us that they also had two K-9 units. Then we went to the side of the building outside and saw a police car. We went back inside and went to the testing facility and gear locker where I got to try on riot gear. We then went to the jail cells. The officer said they used to use these cells, but don’t use them as much now. When we went upstairs in the building we saw the Chief’s office, and other offices.Then we saw the place where they investigate crimes and the place where they record interviews. We returned to the room where we had our class and the officer answered a few more questions we had. It was a lot of fun and I hope our unit goes back there in the future. OUR LOCAL HEROES By YM/LCpl Jonathan Merritt Manassas (VA) We learned what the folks in blue re- ally do! This past September, Young Ma- rines and Young Marine recruits from our unit had the opportunity to learn about Drug Demand Reduction from Officer Plourde from the City of Manassas (VA) Police Department. Officer Plourde talked about the seri- ous problem of drugs that are most com- monly abused. He spoke to us about his years in the United States Marine Corps before choosing a career in law enforce- ment.He talked about the dangers of ad- diction, and how drug abuse can endan- ger your health and your future. Then, he allowed us to check out his patrol unit. We got to operate the siren, lights and the intercom of the vehicle. Officer Plourde also showed us the spike strips which are used to lay out across the road to stop a suspect’s vehicle by popping the vehicle’s tires. We had a great Drug Demand Reduction event and an excellent drill and it was all thanks to the adult staff who coordi- nated the event and the City of Manassas Police Department. Manassas: We Saw What the Folks in Blue Really Do By YM/Pvt Ryan Banwell Lapeer County (MI) So, do you want to hear about an out- standing unit meeting? It started off as a regular meeting; we did PT and then assembled for a short class. Our two special visitors from the Michigan State Police Department were Trooper John Sholtz and Trooper James Koveck. Trooper Sholtz brought along his K9 dog named Enzo. He told us about all the different types of collars Enzo wears. One was used to search for drugs and one is used to search for humans.Troop- er Sholtz also did a very cool demon- stration. He hid a package with drugs and had Enzo search for it. It only took this remarkable dog a minute to search every locker and backpack in the area. Enzo’s reward for finding the drugs is a chew toy called a kong ball. He also al- lowed us to pet Enzo and answered our questions. We learned that Enzo is from Belgium. We also learned about Trooper Sholtz, how long he has been a law enforce- ment officer and how long he has been working with the K-9 unit. Our second guest was Trooper Koveck. He told us why he wanted to be a Michi- gan State Trooper. Koveck is a Marine Corps veteran, and we all found that in- teresting.He told us how the Marines af- fected his life,and how it affected others in a good way. He said that if he didn’t go into the Marines, he wouldn’t be the man he is today. Trooper Koveck told us that he wanted to be part of our unit. He is a really good role model and some- one I look up to (because I want to be a State Trooper). He was very en- thuisiastic about our unit. He also told us about his experiences as an officer. We all had a very good time dur- ing the presentation because it was so interesting to us. I hope we continue to have many more guest speakers like these. An Outstanding Unit Meeting, and Some Special Visitors Michigan State Trooper James Kovek. Michigan State Trooper John Sholtz and Enzo. Young Marines Meet ESPRIT ONLINE | Page 33