Scouts Honor Local First Responders

The Boy Scouts of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council will honor Pinellas County first responders with Participating Citizenship Awards in a virtual ceremony on October 28.

“We are privileged to work with exceptional first responders and we understand the tremendous acts of bravery they perform daily keep our young people safe,” District Executive Clarissa Castillo said.

The Participating Citizenship Award recognizes services to the young people by men and women who may not have direct involvement in Scouting, according to the Council’s director of field service, Dwayne Jones. Moreover, Jones made it clear the honor will also extend to all law enforcement canines active in Pinellas County.

Senator Rick Scott and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ronde Barber will make guest appearances during the live streamed ceremony. Senator Scott is a former Scout himself.

“The lessons I learned as I became an Eagle Scout have helped me all my life,” Scott said. “I want to thank all of the volunteers, all of the troop leaders and all of the law enforcement that help our Scouts. Keep up the good work, and never stop pursuing your dreams.”

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Offices partners with Scouting to offer the Law Enforcement Exploring Program to youth ages 14 to 21. Built on experiential activities and competition, it serves as a vocational opportunity for young people interested in law enforcement as a career.

“Some of the things our Explorers Posts do are truly incredible,” Castillo said. “It’s amazing to see kids developing these skills at such a young age.”

The Events will also present an opportunity for viewers to invest in local Scouting, according to Jones. Funds donated during the event will go to the local Council to continue funding programs like the Explorers units as well as Scout troops and packs.

“Through all of this, we are excited to know that many of the tenants of Scouting such as helping our neighbors, checking in on those in need, and putting others before ourselves has strengthened our sense of community and civic duty,” Jones said. “Participating citizenship is at the foundation of the lessons learned in the Scouting programs.”

To the award stream, viewers can go to tampabayscouting.org and select “Badge of Honor,” to see the schedule and links, or call 352-459-9375 for details.