LONDONDERRY -- Thanks to the hard work of recent Londonderry High School graduate Briana Stanley, the town's new Police Explorers program is now out in full force.

Stanley, who began working on restoring the program to Londonderry last fall as part of her senior service project, said she hopes to see other like-minded students contemplate careers in law enforcement.

Geared toward students between the ages of 14 and 21, Police Explorers Post No. 1137 has around 40 members.

With Police Officer Jake King and School Resource Officer Brad Warriner serving as advisers, the group meets at the local police station several times each month.

It's been well over a decade since the Londonderry Police Department has offered the Explorers program, which, until last fall, had fallen by the wayside due to budget constraints.

Over the past school year, Stanley worked to raise money for and awareness about the community-oriented program, which allows young adults the chance to get a taste of policing in a fun, safe and supportive atmosphere.

On Friday afternoon, several dozen members of Post No. 1137 gathered on the Town Common for one of the group's many fundraisers: a concert featuring local bands Clint's Band, Mistaken For and Power 11.

Though the concert itself was free, donations to the Explorers fund were collected, and food and drinks were sold.

Stanley said an immediate goal is to raise enough money to purchase new uniforms, which are estimated to cost around $4,000.

Another concert is expected to take place sometime in August, with the final date yet to be determined.

King said the return of the Explorers program has been a welcome addition to the community.

“They're a great group of kids and adults, and it can only help the community to know they exist and are doing things for the town,” said King.

With a Post No. 1137 website in the works, the group will meet again at the Mammoth Road police station this week, with plans to visit the department's firing range later in the week.

“They'll be painting one of the buildings as part of a service project,” said King. “Community outreach and volunteerism is the backbone of this post, and we're always looking for opportunities to assist with local projects.”

This past May, when soon-to-be freshmen visited the high school for the first time, Stanley and fellow post members sported their uniforms, eager to offer up information about opportunities in Post No. 1137.

Around 25 entering freshmen have since expressed interest in the program, Stanley said.

Courtney Foster, one of those students, said the program immediately intrigued her since she's considering a career in law enforcement.

“It's been really fun so far,” she added.

LHS senior Maggi McGarry agreed, noting that one recent activity — a mock crime scene staffed by local police officers — proved exhilarating.

“And we helped solve the crime,” she grinned.

Though Stanley will leave Londonderry next month to begin her training in the Air Force, she won't forget her work with the Explorers.

“I still want to come back and maybe someday be the post's adviser,” she said.

For more information on Explorers Post No. 1137, contact King at 432-1118.

aguilmet@newstote.com