Sixteen preschool students got a first hand view of what goes on at PA State Trooper Barracks on April 23.

Hemlock Grove United Methodist Pre-school students toured the barracks in Blooming Grove to learn more about what State Police do every day. Trooper Carl Ives led the tour which included the communications room, Patrol room, detectives office and a State Trooper’s car. The students were also fingerprinted before sharing a barbecue lunch with some of the officers serving at the barracks.

In the Communications Room, Julie Derwin explained how she receives calls from the Pike County 9-1-1 Center and dispatches Troopers to help the people calling the center. Derwin explained how important it was for each of the children to know their address and phone. She said she needed the information so she can tell Trooper Ives where they live.

She also demonstrated how she can look up people’s police records for Troopers in the field and how they can do it from their police cars. She also showed the children how the computer system can track the police cars so Derwin can send them help if they need it and she can send the closest officer to a call.

Derwin explained that when she started the station had only three phones and now has 12  lines.

Ives then explained what officers do in the Patrol room as they prepare for duty and come off duty. He then each of the children try out a shield and explained how they use it. After showing them the holding room, he took them to Crime Room where the detectives work.

The tours are given as part of the State Police’s community service and education programs. They are available to any group including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4-H Clubs. Anyone interested in setting up a tour can call the Blooming Grove State Police at 570-226-5718.