Don't Mess With the 1st Grade!
Ocracoke's first grade welcomed visitors Dee and John Gilbert to their class last week. Dee is a retired FBI agent and John is retired from the U.S Marshal service. As friends of first grade teacher Mary Ellen Piland, they visit the class every year to talk about what it takes be a law enforcement agent.
U.S. Marshals and FBI agents have to be fit. Exercise is very important. Dee demonstrated the push-ups she was required to do in training. Some of the children tried push-ups (Jackson Strange has excellent form) and all were amazed that Dee's trainer made her do 50 at a time!
Law enforcement agents also have to study a lot, learning about the law, and their job procedures. They also practice shooting!
John and Dee also explained that there were lots of jobs available that don't involve carrying a gun and chasing the bad guys, but still help the FBI agents and US Marshals. Scientists and computer experts are really helpful.
By the time the kids had tried on the bullet-proof vest, seen their teacher be handcuffed, and learned about John's puppy colleagues (he was director of the U.S. Marshal Service's K-9 division), they were ready to sign up!
John and Dee's advice to the FBI/U.S. Marshal hopefuls was to eat healthy, stay in school, study, don't do drugs, and obey the law. And don't forget to show off your muscles!
