Brownie Troop 800

Holmdel Brownie Troop 800 was behind bars last month and they were happy about it.  Thanks to the generosity of the Holmdel Police department our troop was able to get a first hand look at law enforcement as well as the techniques that our officers use to keep us safe.

Organized by Sergeant Piggott, Troop 800 arrived, and we were armed ourselves…Armed with Girl Scout cookies that were donated to the officers of the Holmdel Police Department as a way of thanking them for keeping Holmdel safe during Hurricane Sandy as well as throughout the year.

Lt. Smith came in to meet our troop and talk about the Holmdel Station and it’s officers, he is in charge of all the officers in Holmdel and makes sure our streets are covered and patrolled.

Valerie Sudonyi who works with Sgt. Piggott sat with the girls and gave them all police coloring books that talked about safety for all.  She talked with all the girls making them at ease in the police station. 

Then our guide throughout the day, Ptl. Archinaco introduced our first speaker…Detective Sergeant L. Torres who has been with the force for 32 years, showed us how to gather evidence, and the girls watched in awe as he was able to take a single envelope, and with his fingerprint kit, show us that there are always clues left behind.  He shared true stories of cases he worked on in Holmdel and had the girls memorized as he shared some history of his work on the force.

Next up, we learned a little about Holmdel’s four legged officers.  Although the police dog we were to meet was injured and we weren’t able to meet him (he was off duty recuperating) we did meet Sgt. Edward Martinez who works with the police dogs and learned more about their relationship. 

Then Ptl. Archinaco had his turn to show us around.  First the tour, as we quietly entered the dispatch post (and with almost twenty 8 and 9 year olds, that is quite a task) we were able to see where it all began.  We met with Brian O’Keefe and Alexandra Harris who form the first line of defense to get help to those in need.  Dispatch is teeming with excitement as they await 911 routed calls to dispatch help immediately.  They know where all our officers are patrolling at any given time and how to get help to the community a.s.a.p.

Next of course, a highlight for our girls…lock up, the girls piled into to a jail cell and while some asked for a cup to bang on the rails others asked why their bed had no pillow… It was agreed by all that the only way any of these girls want to see a jail cell is when touring with an officer as a visitor not a guest. 

The girls toured the mug shot area, learned how you cannot smile in a police photo (although we agreed if you were getting arrested, smiling wouldn’t be high on the list). 

Troop 800 returned to the meeting room.  Here Ptl. Archinaco answered questions from the girls. 

What is your most important weapon for an officer?  Your Mind.

Have you ever met the President?  Yes, when he helicoptered in (who knew?) 

The girls were so mesmerized by the event, that at the end of the tour they all asked for photographs with Ptl. Archinaco and then every scout asked for autographs, they came at Ptl. Archinaco like he was a movie star flapping the coloring books he had given them.  They then went around to the officers and dispatch officers and once again asked or autographs.  Out of all the Brownie events I have ever planned for my troop, this was the best, I was so proud that the girls understood what the Holmdel police Department does for them, the sacrifices they make for us and the passion they feel for our community.  Thank you for sharing your day with Troop 800, you impressed our girls, the parents that stayed and our community as a whole.