Who: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Operations Bureau -Explorer Post 900
Florida Association of Police Explorers
What: The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 900 recently participated in the 2017 Florida Association of Police Explorers (F.A.P.E.) State Competition.
When: The competition took place June 18 - 24, 2017.
Where: The 2017 Florida Association of Police Explorers State Competition was held in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Why/How: The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 900 attended the State Competition at the Florida Association of Police Explorers (F.A.P.E.) competition held in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on June 18-24, 2017.
Competing against 28 other law enforcement explorer posts from across Florida, Pinellas County’s “Team Alpha” received 3rd Place overall competition championship trophy. The state team comprised of Explorer Captain Alvin Pinero, Explorer Sergeant Isabella Wolcott, Explorer Corporal Christian Binning and Explorer Courtney Holly. The team placed in one out of the six different competition events. They received a 1st place trophy in Traffic Stops. The team performed consistently throughout the week to allow them to place 3rd overall with a difference of only 7 points from 1st place.
The scenario events included: a mall active shooter, in-progress burglary type investigations, a traffic stop with issued citations, crisis intervention with a child baker act investigation, and crime scene investigation. This year’s tie breaker event required the team to recall details from their crime scene investigation to go into courtroom testimony. The team also participated in two optional events including a firearms simulator and a physical abilities test.
The team consistently reacted to every challenge using the officer safety and investigative techniques they received during their training. It was also imperative for members of the team to use good communication skills and have an understanding of Florida statutes.
As always, the training provided by members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, as well as, the commitment and dedication of Post Advisors, has helped to mold “Team Alpha” into a superior competition team.
Explorer Andrew Aponte was recognized as one of the range master’s top 10 shooters for the year.
Post #900 members also participated in optional events including the Honor Guard competition and Drill Team competition. Honor Guard team received the 2nd place trophy and Drill team received the 5th place trophy.
Honor Guard team members include: Explorer Sergeant Andrew Aponte, Explorer Sergeant Isabella Wolcott, Explorer Corporal Christian Binning, Explorer Joanna Burzo and Explorer Courtney Holly.
Drill team members include: Explorer Sergeant Andrew Aponte, Explorer Corporal Sandra Mondragon, Explorer Corporal Justin Musick, Explorer Corporal Christian Binning, Explorer Joanna Burzo, and Explorer Courtney Holly.
Several Explorers from Post #900 joined the 2017-2018 Youth Board for F.A.P.E. Explorer Wendy Gonzalez became the Vice President, Explorer Sergeant Isabella Wolcott became the Secretary, Explorer Corporal Sandra Mondragon became the Co-Chair for Special Projects Committee and Explorer Joanna Burzo became Historian.
The members of Explorer Post #900 have prepared and performed as a championship law enforcement team! Their success is a credit to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and countless agency members for their consistent support and encouragement. Whether through classroom instruction or providing a ride-along experience, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has given these young people the experience of a lifetime!
For more information regarding the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post #900 go to www.post900.com or contact Deputy Aly Towne at 727-453-7461.
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