(Willmar MN-) Last Thursday Willmar Police Department Explorer Post #3200 was awarded MN Explorer Post of the Year by the Northern Star Explorer Council at an awards ceremony in Anoka. This award goes to a post that offers excellence and mentorship in the Exploring program while effectively managing registrations and renewals.
The Law Enforcement Explorer program is administered through the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life program. This program serves young people age 14 and 20 by providing law enforcement career experiences, life skills and leadership development. There are 47 active Explorer Posts in the Northern Star Council, of which 35 are dedicated to Law Enforcement Exploring. Overall there are approximately 60 Explorer Posts statewide in a variety of occupations.
The Willmar Police Explorers have bi-weekly Explorer meetings that cover a variety of skills ranging from crime scene processing, crash investigation, first aid, crisis negotiations and more taught by officers and staff of the Willmar Police Department. Explorers also can participate in community special events such as assisting at parades, Rockin’ Robbins and the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. Explorer Post #3200 was established in 2015 by the Willmar Police Department.
The Willmar Police Department currently has 11 Explorers and have an ongoing application process. Please visit the Willmar Police Department website at www.willmarmn.gov and click the Police Explorers tab.
We’re very honored to have been chosen for this award and are incredibly proud of our Explorers and the many officers and staff members of Willmar PD who make this program possible.
More info about the award and the Northern Star Exploring Council are available from Brian Swerine at bswerine@explorenow.org or 612-236-7475