Some young people would be turned off by a career in police work, but not Lisa Marie Thompson, 18.
A daughter of William H. and Joyce Thompson, West Jordan, the Explorer Scout was recently awarded one of six $1,000 Society of Former FBI Agents scholarships.She was presented the scholarship by society president George Hartley at the Law Enforcement Explorer Conference at Boston University.
A graduate of West Jordan High School, Lisa began her studies during the summer toward an associate of science degree in criminal justice at Salt Lake Community College. She has participated in the ride-a-long police program in the community Crime Watch program and in fingerprinting children. This week she began work as a guard for a security agency in the Taylorsville area.
After receiving the scholarship, Lisa was presented a plaque commending her for her achievements from West Jordan Mayor Kristin Lambert and the City Council at a council meeting.
The teen says she enjoys all aspects of police work. "I enjoy the challenge of working with the officers to solve each new and different situation." Lisa is particularly interested in learning more about investigations related to abused and delinquent children.
Law enforcement Explorers are young men and women, ages 14 through 20, who are interested in law enforcement careers. Through the Boy Scouts of America they are learning more about law enforcement professions by participating in programs conducted by federal, state and local law enforcement organizations.
Lisa was president of her Beehive and Miamaids classes and a counselor in the Laurels presidency in her LDS Ward. She was president of her seminary class during her junior year at West Jordan High School.