Explorers excel at written competition
Cadets compete for Central Coast bragging rights

The Simi Valley Police Department Police Explorer Post 2910 recently competed in the Central Coast Police Explorer Competition held in Paso Robles, Calif. The youths earned first place in the written examination and two fifth-place rankings in performance categories.

The Explorers competing were Olivia Barry, Karista Garza, Shawnda Oestreich, Tracy Ostrich, Andrew Owens, Cameron Pidgon and Evan Santiago.

Oestreich, Ostrich, Owens and Garza received recognition for the written test.

A total of 500 participants representing 43 police agencies from across the state competed in a variety of events over a two-day period. The competition tested the judgment, knowledge and physical skills routinely required of peace officers.

The Explorer program introduces youth ages 14 to 20 who are interested in a career in law enforcement to the opportunities and challenges of police work. They assist officers with nonhazardous law enforcement functions, ride along with patrol officers and volunteer their time for community service events.

Young men and women interested in applying for membership must be of good moral character, maintain a C average, have no serious criminal record, appear before an oral appraisal board and complete a two-week academy training class within one year of acceptance into the program.

For more information about the program, call Sgt. Jeff Dominick or Sgt. Dwight Thompson at (805) 583-6950.