The Fillmore Explorer post #2958 recently competed in the Chandler Explorer Tactical Competition in Chandler, Arizona on January 15, 2016.

The Explorers are a group of young people aged fourteen to twenty one, who are in the ninth grade or above, and have an interest in law enforcement. As explorers they participate in ride-alongs with Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies, assist with community events and are involved in community outreach. The explorer program helps build strong leadership and communication skills that are crucial in today’s society. The explorer program helps prepare individuals to succeed in all of their current and future endeavors.

The Chandler Tactical Explorer Competition is put on every year by the Chandler Police Department, in Chandler, Arizona. Most events were scenario based, meaning that the explorers were presented with situations and they had to resolve the situation with the tools that were provided. Some of which are: Marijuana Field Raid, 5 Man Hostage Rescue Team, 10 Man High Risk Warrant. These scenarios were graded on the teams overall teamwork, leadership, and execution. The other types of events that the explorers participated in were a three mile run, five and ten man swat truck pull, and the tactical relay.

At the tactical competition, the explorers participated in a plethora of events. The post placed in three events. They received a third place trophy for the five man swat truck pull. In addition, they received a second place trophy for the Shoot/Don’t Shoot scenario and Sr. Explorer Isaiah Galvez placed fifth in the explorer pistol shoot.

If you have any interest in joining the explorer program you are welcome to attend the weekly Tuesday meetings that take place at Sierra High School at 5 PM. There will be a recruiting period in the month of February, 2016, accepting any males or females ages 14 to 21 that have completed the 8th grade. We encourage all who are interested to join the explorer program.

Prepared by: Explorer Sergeant Nicholas Bartels and Explorer Senior Danielle Ramirez