BCSO Explorer compete in national competition

Maryville, Tennessee – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong is proud to announce the Sheriff’s Explorer Post #86 competed against Explorers from across the country in the Boy Scouts of America Winterfest competition in Gatlinburg Friday.

The BCSO Explorers competed in several law enforcement categories, including warrant service, burglary in progress, traffic stops, domestics, and unknown trouble. The competition provided them with the opportunity to apply the skills they’ve learned through the Sheriff’s Office Explorer post and speak with law enforcement professionals from around the country who provided feedback on each scenario. The Explorers were also able to watch others compete in the different scenarios.

Winterfest is an annual event held in Gatlinburg for law enforcement, fire, and EMS Explorers as well as Venturers and Sea Scouts from across the nation to compete, learn new skills, and meet youth from around the country who share the same passion for their respective disciplines.

This is the first Winterfest competition in recent years the BCSO Explorers have participated in, and we are already making plans for the 2026 event. The Explorers and advisors learned new ideas and enjoyed the camaraderie that the event offered.

The Sheriff’s Explorer Post provides young adults who may be interested in a career in law enforcement with a program of training, competition, service, and practical experiences. Character development, physical fitness, good citizenship, and patriotism are integral components of the program. The Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Explorers are led by experienced deputies who serve as Explorer advisors and who have a desire to mentor youth interested in law enforcement.

Explorer Post meetings are normally held the first Monday of each month at the Blount County Justice Center. Uniforms are provided for Explorers. In addition to learning about and experiencing different aspects of law enforcement procedures, Explorers are also given the opportunity to participate in competitions and assist with parades, festivals, and other community events.

Any youth ages 14 to 20 who are interested in learning more about the Sheriff’s Explorer Post, please contact Explorer Advisor Deputy Joel Hollingsworth at (865)273-5168 or by email at [email protected].