Members of the Dalton Police Department Explorers pose at the Winterfest competition (Front Row From Left: Fatima Peinado, Allexis O'Quinn, Isabel Mora, Dhalia Medina; Back Row From Left: Eric Rangel, Advisor Officer David Saylors, Advisor Officer Ashley Payne)
On Saturday, members of the Dalton Police Department's Explorers program competed against other agencies from across the southeast at Winterfest in Gatlinburg, Tn. The Explorers competed in three different scenarios, winning awards in two of them.
Dalton finished 1st in the "Felony Traffic Stop" scenario and 3rd in the "Domestic Violence" scenario. Dalton also competed in an "Active Shooter" scenario, finishing 4th. The Explorers work on different law enforcement scenarios throughout the year, but they don't find out which three scenarios in which they'll compete until they actually arrive at Winterfest.
The Law Enforcement Explorer Program allows young men and women to gain training and experience in the law enforcement field. The program also provides opportunities for community involvement and development. Program activities center around law enforcement training, organized recreational activities and competitive events. Officers David Saylors, Ashley Payne and Daniel Jones currently oversee the program.
Explorers must be between 14 and 20 years old, maintain at least a "C" average in school and must stay in school until graduation or obtaining a GED. Explorers also must attend regularly scheduled meetings, including physical training. Applications for the program are reviewed in the fall and winter.