The Ventura Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program recently competed in the Chandler Arizona Police Department’s Tactical Explorer Competition. Seventy-two Explorers from Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Moorpark, Fillmore, Ojai, and Headquarters competed throughout the weekend in events that challenged them both physically and mentally. There was a total of 62 other Explorer posts with more than 600 participants from throughout the western United States participating in the competition. The Explorers showcased their physical fitness, leadership ability, technical decision making, and teamwork. Ventura County Sheriff Explorer teams received the following awards:
1st Place- Tactical Negotiations- Ojai Police Explorers
1st Place- SWAT Sniper Challenge- Ojai Police Explorers
2nd Place- Rapid Response- Camarillo Police Explorers
2nd Place- Crisis Negotiations- Camarillo Police Explorers
3rd Place- Tactical Emergency Medical Support- Thousand Oaks Police Explorers
3rd Place- Explorer Bungee Pull- Fillmore Police Explorers
3rd Place- Explorer Advisor Range- Fillmore Police Explorers
3rd Place- 5K Run, Female- Headquarters Station Explorers
3rd Place- 5K Advisor Run- Headquarters Station Explorers
3rd Place- Advisor Obstacle Course- Headquarters Station Explorers
4th Place- Tactical Obstacle Course, Female- Headquarters Station Explorers
4th Place- Tactical Obstacle Course, Male- Headquarters Station Explorers
5th Place- Ten Person Bear Cat Pull- Camarillo Station Explorers
The Explorer Program is funded through private donations and from public events where the Explorers volunteer their time and the proceeds go to the program. This year, we were able to participate in the competition due, in part, to significant donations from the Underwood Family Farms and Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
The Explorer Program is offered for free to any resident of Ventura County between the ages of 14 and 21 years old. While the program is law enforcement based, the goal of the program is to expose them to the Sheriff’s Office and develop them into the leaders of the next generation. Explorers participate in monthly meetings, work community events, have the opportunity to train with specialized units within the Sheriff’s Office, and participate in patrol ride alongs.
Young people who are interested in the Explorer Program can contact explorer advisors by calling or visiting any of the six sheriff’s stations in Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Ventura (Headquarters), Camarillo, Fillmore or Ojai. Information can also be found at www.venturasheriff.org, Ventura Sheriff Explorers on Instagram, or by email at [email protected]. Explorer candidates will be invited to attend a monthly explorer meeting, where they will learn about the program and the background process. Explorers are required to attend a free three-week academy held in Ventura County in conjunction with other local police agencies held during the summer.
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