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On Saturday, May 20, Westwood Police Explorers finished first at the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Explorer competition held in Charlton, where they competed against teams from across the state and New York.
In what is a grueling seven-hour contest, various police officers and advisors simulate scenarios and incidents police officers might encounter in the line of duty, then assess how well the explorers handle the situation. Westwood’s Explorers finished first in Building Search, Felony Traffic Stops, High Stress, Physical Agility, Public Disturbance, Unknown Trouble, and Team Response. Additionally, they placed second in Arrest and Search, Career Development, Domestic Disturbance, and Judgmental Driving. Their performance in the scenarios earned them “Best Overall Post.”
Sergeant Paul Sicard, post advisor and former Explorer, said he is “immensely proud, but not surprised with their success. These young men and women have spent countless hours this year learning the different ways Westwood’s officers serve their community.”
The first place finish has been an ongoing process years in the making. In the past few years, the program has become highly competitive as there are few openings, and so many qualified applicants. This year, the post expanded the number of instructors, and other officers and members of the department have provided different levels of instruction.
“This is an exciting time for our Explorer Post,” said Chief Silva, “and as we approach our fortieth anniversary with the town, I am very optimistic about the future.”
The Explorer program is sponsored and operated by the officers and staff of the Westwood Police Department. It is open to students from ages 14 through 21, and provides Westwood’s young adults interested in a career in law enforcement with the opportunity to learn from and work for the Westwood Police Department through regular meetings, training sessions, ride-alongs, community service projects and more.
For more information, visit westwoodpd.org or contact Sergeant Paul Sicard at (781-320-1000).
