Explorers saddened to be told they're no longer needed in Fox Lake

Last week, the Fox Lake Explorers and their parents met with the Fox Lake Police Department and the Mayor Donny Schmidt. Previously, the last meeting of the year has always been a Christmas party, but instead, this was an official meeting. We were informed that the Fox Lake Explorer program was being let go.

It is officially disbanded from this point on.

The Explorers are to turn in all equipment and uniforms by next week. For two hours, the Explorers asked questions as to why. No one took full responsibility for this decision.

Excuses were given such as the police stating they do not have time to assist with this program as they are going through changes as well.

Two weeks ago, the Explorers finally were given crisis counseling. We thought that finally the village was starting to recognize the participants' needs. For the past several months, village representatives were stating to the press how much the Explorers meant to them and how the program was definitely going to continue.

At no time were we led to believe that this closing would occur.

Meetings between the Boy Scouts of America representatives and the village did bring out some major issues, such as Explorer bank accounts, equipment, and leadership, but these are things that could be fixed.

So, after standing together through all that has happened, and following all of Fox Lake's orders after Lt. Joe Gliniewicz's death, the Explorers were told goodbye and to find another town. The Explorer captain told his group, "Thank you for staying until the ship sank."

The village of Fox Lake had no thank you.

Perhaps, this closing was necessary, but the way it was presented was ludicrous. Watching the Explorers try to reason with the police department, was heartbreaking. These young people had been so proud of their achievements.

They were proud wearing their uniform with a Fox Lake patch on it. They worked countless hours doing traffic enforcement, crowd control and parking enforcement at their town's parades and celebrations. They helped senior citizens at an annual picnic.

So many days and evenings out of their lives were spent doing public service. They trained long and hard. They followed the rules.

But, despite their disappointment, they held their tongues.

They did not renounce their chief or their village. With a statement that their gag order is lifted came warnings that speaking to the press could make future police career opportunities vanish.

One police sergeant summed up this topic by stating, "You are not news anymore. People are paying more attention to recent national events"

So, goodbye, Explorer Post 300. Your lessons are done. You are no longer needed.

Cecilia Ashbacher is a Fox Lake resident and mother of a member of Fox Lake Explorer Post 300.