Deputy Sgt. Ronnie Jones of the Bee County Sheriff’s Office was presented with the coveted William H. Spurgeon, III Award Thursday morning.

Bart Gentry, representative of South Texas Council of the Boys Scouts of America, said in all his years of scouting Jones’ award was only the second he had seen.

“This is a national award presented by the council,” Gentry said. “It is the highest recognition for individuals and organizations contributed significant leadership to the Explorer program.”

Jones is the adult adviser to the BCSO-sponsored Explorer Post 200.

The Spurgeon Award was developed in 1971 to honor the man who is regarded as the major leader in the development of special-interest Exploring. He was a business executive at the Irvine Company in Southern California and personally organized special-interest Explorer posts during the 1960s.

He also served many years as a member of the National Council Executive Board and National Exploring Committee.

Spurgeon died in 1970.

“We’re very appreciative of Sgt. Jones’ dedication and effort to the program,” said Sheriff Carlos Carrizales Jr.

“We started up the program pretty quickly after I got here,” the sheriff said. Jones has been the adult adviser to the program ever since, about five years now.

The post has about 11 members and is looking for more, Jones said.

The group holds its meetings at the sheriff’s office.

Its members learn about careers in law enforcement and other scouting interests.

Gentry described the program as a way for young men and women who have completed the eighth grade through the age of 20 to learn about careers in different fields.

Exploring is open to all segments of the community and helps its members become responsible and caring adults.

The program is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities and helps them pursue their special interests, grow and develop.