LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post No. 7295 participated in a regional competition in Chico on Saturday, April 21, with its members putting on top performances.

Approximately 150 Explorers from law enforcement agencies throughout Northern California took part in the weekend competition, according to Sgt. John Gregore of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Gregore said Explorers are divided into two- to four-person teams and compete in team events and individual events.  

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post sent three teams to the event this year. Gregore said the local Explorers did an outstanding job at the event, scoring highly in Crime Scene Investigation and Burglary in Progress scenarios.  

He said one team received 98 points out of 100 in High Risk Traffic Stops, while another team won second place for regular traffic stops and were one point away from first place.

Explorers also individually competed in physical agility, bicycle obstacle course, driving simulation, shooting simulation, use of force and a typical law enforcement written exam, Gregore said.

Participation in these events allows Explorers from smaller agencies an opportunity to utilize different training tools available to law enforcement, he explained.

Gregore added that the post's young men and women “represented the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Lake County with integrity, dedication and honor.”

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program is designed for young men and women who are either interested in a career in law enforcement, or are interested in learning more about law enforcement.

They learn how to handle typical law enforcement activities like traffic stops, high risk traffic stops, building searches and domestic violence situations.

Explorers also work within the community during special events, typically assisting with parking and traffic control.

Explorers must be 14 to 20 years old, with a minimum 2.0 grade point average. They also must be of good moral character with a clean criminal record and be willing and able to attend regular meetings and scheduled volunteer functions.  

Anyone interested in becoming a Lake County Sheriff’s Office Explorer can visit www.lakesheriff.com , or contact Sergeant John Gregore or Det. John Drewrey at 707-262-4200.