Mention the word “gang” and images of teenagers, guns, drugs, and violence most often come to mind. Yes, there are “gangs” that are involved in bad things. But there are also “gangs” that are involved in wholesome, productive activities. The First Responders Explorer Post, sponsored by the Lancaster Sheriff’s Office, is a “gang that does good”. Members of the First Responders Explorer Post include Danielle Warner (Captain), Shane Hammell (Lieutenant), Corey Bertrand (Sergeant), Damian Koscienski, Cody Smith, Shannon Bush, Chelsea Montgomery, Timothy Dawson, Kyle Conrad, and Curtis Pratz.

Organized in March 2008, the First Responders Post is a cooperative venture between the sheriff’s office and Learning for Life, part of the nationally recognized Explorer program of the Boy Scouts of America. Sgt. R. Eddie Headley and Master Deputy Malcolm O. Carter serve as advisors to a dozen or so students aged 14-21 who have an interest in learning about fire, emergency medical and/or law enforcement services.

Most recently, members of the Post responded to the needs of the participants of the sheriff’s Keep Safe Program during the Lancaster’s mini-blizzards of January and February. It was difficult enough for able-bodied persons to get out and about, but virtually impossible for numerous elderly persons living alone. Snow was 8-12 inches deep, drifts were over 18 inches, many side roads were impassable for several days, and school was closed off and on for three weeks.

Sgt. Headley met with Mrs. Aldreama McMillian, an E911 operator for Sheriff Crockett. Mrs. McMillian, and other staff, call every day the 40+ participants of the Keep Safe Program to check on their well-being. Some participants just want a short “Hello” while others enjoy, and need, a little conversation to lift their spirits.

Sgt. Headley with the help from Mrs. McMillan established the First Responders Adopt-A-Keep-Safe Program. The First Responders each have several of the Keep Safes that they make a home visit with once each week. But with the snow there became a real need for more than just a telephone call or a visit. Mrs. McMillan received a call for assistance from one of the Keep Safes, Mollie Davenport to have snow removed from her steps. This one call started a “snow ball effect” that caused the First Responders to take it upon themselves and organize a group snow removal detail. The groups drove to the Keep Safes homes, and as agreed by the homeowner, shoveled walks and driveways, and in some cases ran errands to the store to pick up needed items. Mrs. Pat Reade of Kilmarnock, who weathered the snow with family in Northern Virginia, was one such person helped by the group.

When the Adopt a Keep Safe Program started some of the First Responders were skeptical about making home visits with the older members of the community. But after only a few visits they have begun to look forward to the visits and have enjoyed learning from the Keep Safe Participants. The recipients say the Explorers do brighten their day.”The Explorers are an outstanding group of young adults, and I am proud to be associated with them”, says Sgt. Headley.

What do you say about this “Gang”?