TERRORISTS BOMB STAPELTON AIRPORT!

Sunday morning a gang of unidentified terrorists detonated a bomb at the passenger un-loading area at Stapelton Airport in Denver, and took about thirty people hostage.

Unfortunately all the hostages were dead, along with most of the law enforcement officers, by the time the stand-off came to an end.

"Medical Aid Arrives"

"Negotiating with the Terrorists"

That was the scenario played out Sunday when four members of the Washington County Explorers Post took part in a practice exercise, accompanied by Washington County Deputy Don Roberts, their advisor."It was very real,"Roberts said, "It was an actual bomb".

"The 'terrorists' demanded $27 million, a fueled 737 and a mexican pizza. They said they'd kill two hostages in 20 minutes, if their demands weren't met. The law refused and, about an hour later, all the hostages had been killed."

The Washington County Explorers included Ryan Hays, who was the first reprsentative of the law on the scene; Katie Pech, a swat team member; and Jenny Schutz and Tamara Stoffels, who were terrorists for the day.

"Medics Render Aid"

"Firetrucks Arrive on Scene"

"Three swat teams came in at one side of the terminal, two more teams came in from the other side, and began firing," Roberts said. "Unfortunately, they weren't shooting terrorists, they were shooting each other. Most of the team members were 'killed' by friendly fire.

"Only three of the swat team members survived, and Katie was one of them. In fact all our guys survived." For the exercise the young people used laser guns and water pistols. Schutz and Stoffels were placed above the terminal floor where they could work as snipers (although Roberts said they didn't 'kill' anyone) and keep an eye on hostages.

Among the Explorer Posts, statewide, taking part in the training session were firemen. EMT's, paramedics, Boy Scouts(who served as the hostages) and law enforcement. "I was real pleased at how our kids handeled themselves," Roberts said. "Ryan parked where he could guard himself and still see what was going on, and Katie worked very well as part of the swat team.

"Firemen on Scene"

"Terrorists Kill a Hostage"

As for the 'terrorists,'I guess Jenny and Tamara had a ball."

The Washington County Explorers Post is open to all young people in the county. It provides law enforcement training, and a way to take part in the county community.

The Explorers work at public events, like the county fair and the Santa Train; hold regular meetings and take training in several aspects of law enforcement. They also get to do "ride alongs" with sheriffs deputies.

For more information about becoming an Explorer contact Deputy Don Roberts at the Washington County Sheriffs Office, (970) 345-2244.