The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 900 finished fifth overall among 37 posts and brought home 14 team and individual trophies.  The newly formed Color Guard Team placed second in the state, while the Pistol Team and First Aid Team placed third.  Fourth place trophies were awarded in the traffic crash investigation event, stopping a traffic violator event, and the crisis intervention event, which required a hostage negotiation response.

During the competition, explorers were evaluated on skills through simulated scenarios such as stopping a traffic violator, investigating a traffic crash, and even a high-risk situation requiring a hostage negotiation response.  Other team events included first aid, color guard, and a pistol competition.

Sheriff Jim Coats expressed his pride in the performance and dedication of the members of Explorer Post 900.  According to Sheriff Coats, “The members who participated in this competition trained for months, and their efforts reflect the high standards of Post 900 and those of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.”  The Sheriff added that their success is in large part due to the hard work and dedication of the deputies who serve as mentors and trainers for the post.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Explorer program is an opportunity for young people to learn firsthand about the challenges and rewards of a career in public safety.  Explorer Post 900 is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America and has long been in good standing with the organization both locally and nationally.  The post is made up of youths between the ages of 14-21 who are enrolled in a local high school or college.   Furthermore explorers must be a good student with regular attendance and a minimum 2.0 GPA.

For more information about the Explorer Post contact Corporal Robert Bauman at (727) 464-7265.