Explorers Place Fifth in State Competition

Pasco Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 916 recently participated in the Florida Association of Police Explorers (FAPE) State Competition in Lake Mary. PSO is thrilled to announce Explorer Post 916 placed fifth overall out of 24 programs, with several top five placements in competition categories. Explorers participated in mock call-for-service scenarios, and were evaluated on various elements including: communication skills, officer safety protocols, interview techniques, state statute knowledge, legal guidelines, building clearing techniques and scene control. Post 916 was recognized in the following categories:

• First place – Color Guard
• Second place – Traffic Stop
• Third place – Drill Team
• Fourth place – Crisis Intervention
• Fifth place – In-Progress

Explorers Post 916’s purpose is to provide a well-rounded program for teenagers and young adults to build important life skills while providing volunteer opportunities and camaraderie. A myriad of trainings are included, and there are opportunities to partake in specialty teams, such as the state competition team. While focused on law enforcement aspects as a central theme, Explorer Post 916 is a perfect opportunity for young citizens to build skills that will carry them through any path in the future. 

In addition to the chance to compete at the state and national level, Explorers can also participate in ride-alongs with PSO deputies, discover the operations of units across PSO, volunteer within their communities and more. This May PSO Explorer Post 916 also hosted the FAPE delegates’ conference, uniting Explorer Posts from across Florida in a joint training session.

Explorers Post 916 would like to thank the deputies and advisors who trained and helped prepare them for state competition, as well as their parents and guardians for their support and assistance. The Explorers volunteered countless hours training and learning, and PSO is incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication and wonderful representation of PSO. Congratulations to PSO Explorer Post 916’s state competition team!

Explorer Post 916 welcomes eager young adults ages 14-21 to benefit from the skills taught, the camaraderie of like-minded peers and the opportunity to give back to your community while gaining volunteer hours. For those interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement, Explorer Post 916 offers a jump start to that by providing invaluable insight into law enforcement procedures, state statutes and legal guidelines. Explorers meet every Tuesday night from 6-9 p.m. at the Safety Town complex, located at 15362 Alric Pottberg Rd, Shady Hills, FL 34610. For more information, visit PascoExplorers.PascoSheriff.com.