Explorer Post 900 Hosts Delegate’s Meeting

Explorer Post 900 Hosts Delegate’s Meeting

Explorer Post 900 hosted the Florida Association of Police Explorers Delegates training day and pistol competition on April 18-19, 2009.  Seventeen explorer posts from across the state participated in training that focused on the diversity of law enforcement careers. 

141 Explorers and 41 Advisors received a full day of training during which they rotated among several different venues of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.  Instruction began at the Criminal Court Complex where court security and the career of a Bailiff were discussed.  Courtroom testimony instruction was also provided by a prosecutor from the State Attorney’s Office, Sixth Judicial Circuit.  Explorers then moved into the Pinellas County Jail where members of the Corrections Training Section and the Detention Investigation Unit provided instruction on the responsibilities of a detention deputy and career opportunities in the correctional field.  Participants also toured part of the Pinellas County Jail to help provide a true understanding of the complexities involved.  Explorers were then transported to the Flight Section hangar for information about the opportunities in law enforcement for pilots, as well as a first hand look at the aircraft and equipment used.  They also had the opportunity to receive instruction from Crime Scene Technicians as they toured the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Forensics Section.  The Explorers were shuttled to each location in prisoner transport buses operated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Transportation Section.  Every experience of the day was unique and offered a realistic view of law enforcement.  

During the lunch hour Explorers experienced even more.  Following a lunch provided by the Fraternal Order of Police and Great Bay Distributors, multiple displays were set up in the courthouse parking lot.  A Corrections Response Team (CRT) display was available which included examples of the weaponry used within a correctional facility and a restraint chair used in the booking area of the jail.  The Communication’s Maintenance Section provided a display of the various technology used over the years.  Representatives from various other sections of the Sheriff’s Office were on hand including the Detention Medical Staff, the Detention Transportation Section with a transport van, the Marine Unit with an airboat, the Forensics Section with a crime scene van, and a K9 handler.  Representatives from the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard also had displays referencing the law enforcement related fields available in the military.

On Saturday evening, Explorers attended a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game at the Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.  An Explorer Honor Guard made up of members from several different Explorer Posts had the rare opportunity to present the colors for our national anthem.  Honor Guard members included Jonathan Hall of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post, Patrick Williams of the Pinellas Park Police Department’s Explorer Post, Jessica Mayo of the Daytona Beach Police Department’s Explorer Post, and Michael Metzger, Melinda Mujidzic, Cody Malander, and Joshua Davidson of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 900. 

On Sunday, April 19, the Explorers competed in a pistol competition at the Wyoming Antelope Club.  Explorer Post 900 competed exceptionally well earning the following:  In the TYRO division, Explorer Wayne Hoeft received 3rd place.  In the Marksman division, Explorer Elias Karr received 5th place, William Yann received 3rd place, and Cody Malander received 1st place.  In the Sharpshooter division, Explorer Melinda Mujidzic received 4th place, Rachel Davidson received 2nd place, and Michael Metzger received 1st place.  In the Expert division, Explorer Matthew Sauter received 2nd place and Joshua Davidson received 1st place.  In the Master division, Explorer Thomas Garmon received 1st place.  In the team competition, Explorers Garmon, J. Davidson, Sauter, and Metzger received the 1st place trophy.

The results of the day were a tribute to the dedication and hard work of each Explorer and of the firearms instructors who diligently train our team.

We would like to extend our appreciation to each member of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office who continues to support the exploring program and who has made this event an opportunity like none other!