Cub Scouts listing to Lt. Uselton.
Monday night was standing room only in the squad room of the the ERPD. Hosting one of the largest groups they have had in a while, the East Ridge Police and Fire Departments greeted close to 30 Cub Scouts from East Ridge’s Pack 3007 based at Jones Memorial Church. The Scouts arrived excited and eager to get a look behind the scenes. They were led around the Police Station by Lt. Clint Uselton. He began by showing them some of the gear the police use and talked about what each part of the police station was used for.
The Cub Scouts were attentive and inquisitive. They routinely asked questions and Lt. Uselton took the time to answer each one. He explained why some cars have lights on top and why some don’t. He showed the scouts the various lights and explained why certain colors are used. He also showed them the dash camera and explained how it is set to automatically begin recording once the lights have been activated.
Cub Master Rob Smith hears the worst sound in the world while locked up temporarily with a few scouts.
Back inside the station Lt. Uselton showed the scouts the temporary holding cell located on site and explained its use and why it was temporary. Of course, you can’t get a group of boys within five feet of a jail cell without them wanting to be behind bars. Lt. Uselton allowed them to hear “the worst sound in the world.” Off course. from the faces of the scouts you would have thought he just promised them ice cream.
You also obviously can’t have a holding cell without a demonstration of how someone is fingerprinted. 
Next up the Cub Scouts crossed over to the other side to learn about the hard working men and women of the Fire Department. They saw where our East Ridge firefighters spend their free time and sleep. Firefighters in East Ridge work 24-hour shifts. They live entirely at the Fire Station when they are on duty waiting to come to someones rescue.
Commander Billy Quintrell and others talked to the youngsters and explained the purpose of various items on the fire truck. They explained how the oxygen tanks worked and showed the Cub Scouts the alarms equipped on the tanks that go off if a firefighter quits moving.
This was a very informative and educational trip for the Cub Scouts. They learned many things. Lt. Uselton reminded the scouts that if they are ever in trouble and need help to not be afraid to seek out a police officer or firefighter as they are here to help.
