On Sunday, July 1, 2012 five members of the Fort Myers Police Department’s Explorer Post 55 participated in the Florida Association of Police Explorers State Competition. The event was held in Crystal River. 31 teams from around the state competed to show what they have learned from their respective agencies. FMPD Explorers returned home with three trophies. They excelled in the following categories: search and arrest, firearms simulation training and courtroom testimony.

The FMPD Police Explorer program provides young people ages 14-21 with an opportunity to experience the department’s daily operations. Most explorers have an interest in law enforcement as a career. The program helps youth gain insight into a variety of hands-on career activities by assisting with special events such as parades and they also ride-along with officers on the road. The program focuses on career, service, leadership, social and fitness skills. For more information about the Police Explorer program contact Officer Athena Mitchell at 239-321-7700.

Photo: Explorer Major Derrick Boysen, Explorer Captain Ryan Beiner, Explorer Captain Dennis O’Mahoney, Explorer Sergeant William Richard Horth and Explorer Sergeant Patrick Kirk. Advisor chaperones: Officer Ray Beiner and Officer Athena Mitchell

Shelly Flynn
Public Information Officer
239-321-7721