FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Thirty new Police Explorers graduated recently as part of the 10th "Phase One" graduation class of the Law Enforcement Explorer Career Training Academy, at the Monmouth County Police Academy, Kozloski Road.
The event was attended by the families and friends of the graduates as well as numerous dignitaries, including Monmouth County Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick, the Rev. Peter Cooke, chaplain, of the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association, Marlboro Police Chief Robert C. Holmes Sr. and John G. McCormack, director of the police academy, according to a press release from Monmouth County.
The Explorer program is geared to young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 who are interested in a career in law enforcement. It is a one-week program offered in four progressive phases covering all aspects of law enforcement — from records and communications to crime scene/accident investigation and patrol procedures.
The specialty of the program is law enforcement, but it also strives to develop leadership, discipline, physical fitness, teamwork and professionalism. Many past members have gone on to become law enforcement officers, military officers, detention officers and dispatchers, according to the press release.
Explorers are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, community policing, traffic accident investigation, criminal law, patrol concepts and police drills. In their local towns, the Explorers often help the police departments by directing traffic and helping with crowd control during various local events such as parades, and festivals.
Participating Police Explorers were: Dominic Bolognese, Marl-boro; Jonathan Borsari, Marlboro; Samantha Brand, West Long Branch; Brian Clemens, Howell; Matthew Colonna, Holmdel; Michael Cooke, Middletown; Andrew DiSanto, Holmdel; Jeremy Drewry, Marlboro; Kenneth Errickson, Howell; Alexander Ferreira, Long Branch; Callen Figarola, Marlboro; Michael Killins, Eatontown; Thomas Leavy, Long Branch; Adam Levine, Marl-boro; Justin Levy, Middletown; Laurence Liddie, Howell; Alex Lieberman, Marlboro; Alex Loyo, Eatontown; Frank Maletto, Howell; Jeremy McBaine, West Long Branch; James McCormick, Marlboro; Nicole Odom, Eaton-town; Brian Oliveira, Long Branch; Mary Papagiannis, West Long Branch; John Piantanida, Ocean; Jonathan Reilly, Middletown; Shawn Reu, Ocean; Ryan Schoellner, Middletown; Michael Simpson, Holmdel; Stefanie Yacubovich, West Long Branch.
Narozanick, addressing the new Police Explorers, exhorted them to "continue on this path of public service you have chosen. There is no greater calling in life than to help your neighbor in times of need; no greater endeavor than to be a part of the law enforcement community. I congratulate you all."
Narozanick urged the youngsters to never underestimate the difference that one police officer can make in improving the quality of life of the community.