Scouting at the HCSO

By Mitch Traphagen

mitch@observernews.net

RUSKIN - A high-tech helicopter and police car, good guys with badges and guns, hot dogs and soft drinks proved to be the perfect combination as the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office hosted a local Boy Scout troop and a Cub Scout troop at their headquarters in Ruskin.

Community Resource Deputies from Ruskin, Sun City Center and Wimauma, along with two pilots and other deputies and staff members all volunteered their off-duty time to host the event which included seeing the new HCSO helicopter and taking a tour of the District IV headquarters on State Road 674.

HCSO pilot Kevin Johnson introduced himself and told the scouts that he was once an Eagle Scout. "Are an Eagle Scout," said a voice in the crowd. As the Boys Scouts know, once you become an Eagle Scout, you are always an Eagle Scout. Johnson quickly corrected himself.

In addition to the helicopter, the tour included a patrol car and its associated high tech devices and a stop in the briefing room. The event ended with deputies grilling hot dogs and passing out soft drinks to their newest fans.