On Thursday the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office recognized its Explorer Post 172 for its recent showing at Winterfest 2023.

The group competed against 37 other Explorer Posts from across the nation in Explorer Post competitions that included, uniform inspection, warrant service, unknown trouble, and active shooter. The group did well in all four categories, but in warrant service they placed first. It's the first time the Explorer Post has placed first in a Winterfest Competition. The Sheriff's Office says the group trained extra in preparation for the competition.

The Sheriff's Office awarded each Explorer with a letter of commendation which include, Captain Landon Saddler, Lieutenant Adam Bays, Sergeant Trenton Peters, Sergeant Wyatt Peters, and Explorer Eric Egan.

Sheriff Jeff Cassidy said, "they (Explorers) chose to train even more knowing the competition was coming up, and it shows, because not only did they place first place, but they excelled in all the divisions."

Explorer Post Director, Sullivan County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Saddler said, "when I [saw] their post number up on that podium, I couldn't get words to come out. I was so proud of them, I couldn't say anything. The smiles on their faces, they're over still smiling right now."

If you are interested in joining the Explorers, you must be ages 14-21. The group meets every Tuesday from 5-8 at the training center near Central Middle School. If you have any questions about joining, you are asked to contact the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office at (423) 279-7500, and ask for Deputy Saddler or Carolyn Crabtree.

The groups training includes, but is not limited to Traffic Stops, Domestic Violence, Crime Scene Investigations, Crisis Negotiation, De-Escalation, Building Searches, Defensive Tactics and more. The Sheriff's Office also says scouts will also learn life skills such as organization, professionalism and leadership.