The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Program, made
up of eight young men ages 14 to 18, recently attended their first
statewide explorer competition and came back with two trophies.
HOLLISTER
The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Program, made up of eight young men ages 14 to 18, recently attended their first statewide explorer competition and came back with two trophies.
Derek Harris, 18, also received a new laptop and a $750 college scholarship for an award-winning essay.
“We were impressed and shocked at the same time,” said Deputy Jason Lei, one of the group’s advisers.
Leist went on to note that his San Benito County chapter had come a long way since its inception four years ago. Harris explained that the three-day event included law enforcement scenarios on which the Explorers were scored.
“Felony car stops, vehicle searches, administering first aid, building searches,” listed the young man.
According to Deputy Bryan Penney, lead explorer adviser, the program “battled through the competition against seasoned explorer programs such as LAPD and San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office to place and win trophies in two events, the night time traffic stop and the shooting skills competition.”
Harris’ essay on law enforcement and college landed him fourth place in the essay competition and got him some valuable prizes.
“The laptop is really nice, and the $750 should buy me textbooks and gas for year at Gavilan,” the proud Explorer said.
The third Explorer adviser, Terry Edwards, said everyone is proud of all the Explorers and of Harris in particular.
“He is very mature, motivated and on the right track to be a positive role model for the community.”
Anyone interested in enrolling in the Explorers program is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 636-1416.
“You will get a great experience that will help you get hired later and the competitions are a blast,” said Leist.
