Palm Bay Police Explorers Third In State Competition

By  //  July 5, 2012

The Future Of Law Enforcement

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – A team of six explorers from Palm Bay Police Explorer Post #597 placed in the top three overall in the Florida Association of Police Explorers Statewide Competition held in Crystal River last weekend.

Palm Bay Police Explorer Post #597 placed in the top three overall in the Florida Association of Police Explorers Statewide Competition held in Crystal River last weekend. (Image courtesy Palm Bay Police Explorers)

The F.A.P.E. competition tested team skills in a variety of law enforcement scenarios.  Palm Bay finished in the top five for each of the categories it completed.

The scenarios tested 31 teams from around the state in how to respond to an active shooter, crisis intervention, in-progress burglary, search and arrest, traffic crash and a traffic stop in which a missing child entered the scene.

The teams were judged based on their knowledge of law enforcement procedures, Florida laws and statutes, officer safety and department policies.  They also were evaluated based on their ability to articulate all the facts in a written report and their ability to fill out appropriate forms in accordance with each scenario.

“They surpassed every expectation and we are so proud of each one of them.” Cpl. Frank Tobar, lead advisor for Palm Bay Police Explorer Post 597.

Goal Met

“They set a goal to be better than last year and they did not disappoint,” said Cpl. Frank Tobar, lead advisor for Explorer Post 597.  “They surpassed every expectation and we are so proud of each one of them.”

The team competed and placed in the following scenarios including In-Progress Burglary, Night Event (5th place); Search and Arrest (4th place); Traffic Stops (3rd Place); Emergency Vehicle Operations Course male (3rd place; and Overall (31 posts, 3rd place).

Palm Bay’s team consisted of Lt. Mariah Marrero, Sgt. Vincent Galioto, Sgt. Tyler Witt, Cpl. Tyler Witkowski, Explorer Aaron Shishilla and Explorer Donald Kraemer.  The team advisors are Officer Lin Badman, Officer Casandra Woronka, Officer Troy Ramirez, K-9 Officer Eric Antosia (Sebastian Ppolice Deoartment) and Cpl. Frank Tobar.

Each year the F.A.P.E. hosts an annual state competition which allows explorers from around the state to compete in as many as 13 law enforcement scenario based events.

Pistol Event

In addition to the competition scenarios, explorers who have qualified may compete in the 9mm pistol competition.

Palm Bay Police Explorer Post #597 is made up of students ages 14 to 21 that have an interest in law enforcement.

The program has an academic component as well as physical demands with actual police scenarios and tactical training.  At least six past members of the post are now Palm Bay Police Officers.

“These explorers are the future of law enforcement,” said Dana Packard, community services division manager. “We are so proud of all of them and their accomplishments.  None of this would be possible without the dedication of our advisors who give selflessly of their time to ensure these young people are prepared, inspired and motivated to succeed.”

The Palm Bay Police Explorer Program is funded in part through donations, community fundraisers and support from local business partners. Funds from the Palm Bay Police Department Law Enforcement Trust Fund also are provided to assist with the program.

The Law Enforcement Trust Fund money are finds seized from criminals through forfeiture proceedings.  Portions of the fund are designated for use in community crime prevention programs.

For more information or to join send an email to Cpl. Frank Tobar at tobarf@pbfl.org  or call Dana Packard at 321-953-8990.