FELLSMERE — Army ROTC Battalion Commander Lacey Sovern looked out the window, pointing out to the vanful of Fellsmere and Sebastian law enforcement officers the various obstacles she and her crew have tackled.
“The best way pretty much is a running jump and swing your body over,” she said of the wall.
“That’s not as easy as it looks,” Sebastian Community Officer Steve Marcinik noted.
Battalion Commander Sovern told the officers in the van that many times the ROTC cadets have been split into squads of nine, taking on challenges – more than just the physical obstacle before them. They run scenarios, carrying a “wounded” soldier, dealing with supplies and other such tasks.
“Sounds like fun,” Sebastian Police Chief Michelle Morris said.
Sovern was one of a handful of tour guides welcoming dignitaries and the like to the 18-acre Challenge Course, which was created in partnership with the City of Fellsmere, Florida Institute of Technology, and the Florida Tech Army ROTC.
“A miracle happened,” U.S. Congressman Bill Posey said, addressing the audience gathered to commemorate the opening of the facility. He noted all the agencies and governments involved, including Indian River County, the State of Florida and the federal government – “They all cooperated.”
The various Indian River County law enforcement agencies appear eager to send their deputies and officers out onto the various courses.
Fellsmere Police Chief Scott Melanson said he could see his officers taking part in an exercise on course. Chief Morris and Sheriff Loar agreed.
“As it is now, we have to travel to Orlando or West Palm” for such training, Sheriff Loar said. His SWAT team travels once a month for training, which costs the department several hundred dollars each time, he said.
The sheriff also noted that the course could serve as an opportunity to train with the other municipal officers and build relationships.
“There’s definitely a benefit,” he said.
Commissioner Peter O’Bryan said he’d like to see his fellow commissioners take part in an exercise at the course.
“I think it’d be a good challenge,” he said. “I think it’d be a lot of fun.”
And whether more elected officials than the County Commission will use the course remains to be seen.
“It amazes me what goes into your training,” Fellsmere Mayor Susan Adams told the cadets. “I am not coordinated.” She added that she can’t imagine climbing the rope walls – but maybe she’d consider the zipline.
More than just law enforcement and local government leaders will be allowed to use the course. Civic organizations, companies, youth groups, churches – all would be granted access to the course, provided the Army ROTC isn’t already using it.
Tim Fletcher, Challenge Course manager at FIT, said the ROTC has first dibs on dates in January, April, August and November, while the public will get first dibs during the other eight months.
Fletcher will be tasked with fielding reservations and coordinating course facilitators. As for pricing, the general price is $60 per person for four hours – a 10-person minimum is required. Depending on the category of user – youth, senior, etc. – the price changes.
A portion of the funds generated from reservations will be used to maintain the Challenge Course. For more information on the Challenge Course, visit www.FIT.edu/challenge-course.