MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Police Explorer Post took third place at the “Heart of Ohio Law Enforcement Explorer Competition” in Akron, April 15 and 16.
The post members competed against Explorers from 26 different Ohio police and sheriff agencies, making up 50+ four man teams. Each team competed in “Traffic Stops,” “Traffic Accident Investigation,” and “Domestic Violence Investigation,” scenarios.
The group also participated in several other randomly selected events which included: Active Shooter, Arrest and Search, Bomb Threat Response, Burglary in Progress, Crime Scene Investigation, Crisis Intervention, Disorderly Conduct, and Emergency First Aid – Officer Down.
Individual member events included “Air Pistol Shooting” and “Obstacle Course.”
The Mansfield Police Explorer Post team took 1st place in both “Bomb Threat Response” and “Emergency First Aid – Officer Down” as well as 2nd place in “Burglary in Progress” scenarios.
They placed in the top 10 of nearly every event they competed which resulted in their overall 3rd Place finish.
Mansfield Police Department members who trained the Explorer group as well as accompanied them on the trip include: Officer Paul Lumadue (Post Advisor), Sgt. Jon Ahles, Officer Ron Barnes and Officer Rick Clapp. Volunteers who assisted with training and chaperoning the trip were Mansfield Police Auxiliary Officer Ron Puff and his wife, Tammy Puff.
Exploring is a high school youth program for ages 14 to 20 that have a career interest in the participating agency’s field, such as Law Enforcement. The Mansfield Police Explorer program has been in existence for more than 20 years and has acted as a mentoring group for youth seeking a possible career in law enforcement.
The Mansfield Police Explorer Post will be preparing for the National Law Enforcement Explorer Conference/Competition to be held in Flagstaff, Arizona, July 11.
