WHIZ KIDS: Teens Serve Community as Kirkland Police Explorers

Name, age: Jeff Pope, 15, and Molly Herbert, 16. 

School and Neighborhood: Jeff is home-schooled and lives on Finn Hill, and Molly is a sophomore at Inglemoor High School who lives in Kenmore.

Accomplishments: Jeff and Molly are two teen volunteers in the ’s Explorer program. Molly is a seasoned veteran with more than two years experience, while Jeff is a newcomer to the program, having started in March.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” said Jeff. “I’ve really had a good time.”

Key to awesomeness: Jeff and Molly were both drawn to the Explorer program by an interest in community service and a desire to learn more about law enforcement.

“I’ve always wanted to help people,” said Jeff.

As Explorers, the two have helped out at local events by directing traffic, providing security and engaging with the public. They’ve also been able to learn law enforcement techniques and participate in training exercises that will serve them well should they pursue careers in law enforcement.

"Our Explorers are amazing in the number of volunteer hours they give to the community," said Officer Jon Ishmael, one of their advisers, who with other advisers chose Jeff and Molly as great examples of dedicated Explorers.

The program is designed to help young adults from 14 to 20 chose a career path in law enforcement by offering community service opportunities and training.

“It’s an experience that I’m really happy to have,” said Jeff.

Jeff and Molly both said that the experience has given them a much better understanding of the work that goes into law enforcement, and it's given them a new perspective on their communities.

“It definitely has,” said Molly.

“There’s a lot more that goes on in the community than I ever knew before,” said Jeff.

Aside from training and helping at community events, Explorers also have a chance to compete and show off their skills. Last year, Molly traveled to Georgia for the National Law Enforcement Explorer Conference.

“It was challenging but definitely rewarding,” said Molly.

The conference included tactical events and classroom exercises that Molly said she learned a great deal from.

“It was definitely worth it,” said Molly.

Jeff and Molly both said that their experience with the Explorers has benefited them even when out of uniform, giving them confidence they can draw on in other aspects of their lives.

Jeff and Molly both get good grades and have begun to think about college. Jeff has an interest in studying psychology and criminal justice and pursuing a career as a police officer, while Molly also has an interest in studying psychology and working for the police or the FBI.

They’ve both enjoyed their time in the Explorers so far and recommend the Explorers to anyone  interested in helping their community or learning about law enforcement. 

“It’s been great,” said Molly.