Sheriff's Office Explorers - Building Tomorrow's Leaders TodayBy Corporal Bo Bauman
Pinellas County Sheriff's Officer Explorer Post 900 took 13 members to Orlando for the Florida Association of Police Explorer's competition on June 11-16. The competitors of Post 900 were challenged by 37 other explorer posts from across Florida in events ranging from hostage negotiation to traffic crashes. Team members Luke Dougherty (18), Jackie Miller (17), Thomas Garmon (16), Brian Holstein (16), and Robert Blanton (18) met the challenge and returned to Pinellas County bearing 14 trophies as a reflection of their success. The team placed 4th in the traffic crash event, 4th in the traffic stop event, 4th in the crisis intervention event, which required a hostage negotiation response, and 3rd in the First Aid event. First aid required the team to respond to a domestic altercation and in the process react to an accidental amputation of three fingers from one of the role players. Members of the competition team melded into a cohesive unit using excellent communication skills; as well as, thorough investigative techniques. Optional events at the competition included a physical abilities test. Members Luke Dougherty took 3rd place, and Jackie Miller took 2nd place in the state, competing against approximately 250 other explorers. The newly formed Post Color Guard included members Robert Blanton (18), Michael Metzger (16), Cody Malander (15), Thomas Garmon (16), and Nick Pryor (16). The team maintained remarkable composure and tremendous confidence as they competed for the first time, resulting in a victorious 2nd place trophy. The Post 900 Pistol Team did an amazing job as well. Team members Dustina Romesburg (16), Thomas Garmon (16), Luke Dougherty (18), and Cody Malander (15) performed exceptionally well placing 3rd in the state. Individual trophies were also earned. Dustina Romesburg took 4th place and Joshua Davidson (18) took 3rd place in the TYRO event. Michael Metzger took 4th place in the Marksman division, and Thomas Garmon took 4th place in the Sharpshooter division. With several new post members, and many first time competitors, Explorer Post 900 is excited to announce an overall ranking of 5th place among 38 Explorer Posts in the state of Florida! We are very proud of the commitment, professionalism, and accomplishments of each member of our post!
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