Explorers bring home two trophies
Group takes first place in 'rapid response' scenario

HARD WORK PAYS OFF- The Camarillo Police Department's Explorer Post 2932 earned both first- and fourth-place trophies at the National Law Enforcement Tactical Explorer competition hosted by the Chandler Police Department in Chandler, Ariz., earlier this month. The Camarillo Explorers won first place in the "rapid response" competition, which required the team to quickly capture an "armed suspect" who had taken students hostage on a school campus. The team competed against Explorers from across the United States and was judged on its overall officer safety, tactics, teamwork, communication and the speed with which the task was completed.

The Camarillo Police Department Explorer Post No. 2932 participated in a National Law Enforcement Tactical Explorer competition hosted by the Chandler Police Department in Chandler, Ariz., from Jan. 18 to 20. The post came home with first- and fourth-place trophies.

During the competition, 16 Camarillo Explorers competed against approximately 60 other Explorer posts. More than 900 Explorers from across the nation participated, including those from Las Vegas Metro, Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

Camarillo Explorers competed in seven of the 15 scenario events such as "hostage rescue," "hostage negotiations," "rapid response," "high-risk search warrants," "marijuana field raid" and "downed officer," winning first place in "rapid response" and fourth in "downed officer."

In the "rapid response" scenario, the Camarillo Explorers searched for and captured a "suspect" holding students hostage on a school campus.

In the "downed officer" scenario, the Explorers rescued a "downed" officer and captured the "shooter."

The Explorers were judged on their officer safety, tactics, team work, communication and speed.

In preparation for the event, the Camarillo Explorers trained with actual Special Weapons and Tactics team members from the Ventura County Sheriff 's Department.

Members of the Camarillo Explorers team are Ian Agar, 17; Andrew Behan, 14; Steve Bosh, 15; Armand Castanon, 14; Mike Delgado, 19; Tucker Ford, 15; Jacob LaCroux, 15; Keith Miles, 18; Tyler Miles, 18; Kirstyn Nugent, 16; Taylor Soares, 18; Zach Soares, 17; Brent Underwood, 16; Kevin Underwood, 14; and Hannah Wallin, 17.

Law enforcement Explorers are young adults, ages 14 to 21, interested in learning about law enforcement.

The Explorer program is a nonprofit organization associated with the Boy Scouts of America. The program is supported by the city of Camarillo and private donations.

For more information on the Camarillo Explorer Post, call Senior Dep. Julie Novak at (805) 388-5131.