Members of the Champaign Police Department Explorer Post 258 recently attended the Illinois Law Enforcement Exploring Conference, held at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. This conference allows Explorer teams from throughout Illinois to compete against one another in various law enforcement competitions, testing their knowledge, skills, and teamwork. It was the first time the Champaign Police Department attended this conference since the Explorer program was restarted in 2014.
This year the conference was held July 30-August 4. There were over 200 Explorers attending the event, making up 49 teams from 27 police departments. Champaign Post 258 attended with one team, consisting of four explorers and two advisors. The Explorers who attended were Makayla Dulaney, Courtney Stewart, Malea Misenheimer, and Nicolas King and the advisors were Officers Michael Talbott and Ashley Eisenbart.
Our team competed in multiple competitions, including DUI investigation, felony suspect arrest, building search, domestic disturbance, physical agility obstacle course, hostage negotiations, FATS (computerized firearms training simulator), and tactical EMS care. They also competed in individual competitions, including a written exam, physical fitness test, EVOC (emergency vehicle operation course), a firearms qualification, and daily PT training. They attended a memorial ceremony at the Will County Courthouse and attended educational seminars in various topics such as officer involved shootings, a Below100.org officer safety presentation, and leadership.
We are very proud of the Explorers who attended the conference and competed. It was a challenging but fun week. They represented the City of Champaign and the police department well, earning high compliments from many conference evaluators. We also congratulate the team on their fourth-place finish in the hostage negotiations competition.
If you are interested in a career in law enforcement and would like to join Explorer Post 258 now is the time. Applications are being accepted until August 25, 2017. Applications and additional information can be found online at champaignil.gov/police-explorer-program/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Michael Talbott | 217.351.4545 | [email protected]