Homestead’s Police Explorers are a group of young men and women committed to becoming the next generation of law enforcement. During the June 2015 Special Council Presentation, Mayor Jeff Porter honored the group for their fierce commitment and exemplary performance over the past year.
Among the many accomplishments of this year’s Explorers is a first place finish in the in-progress call scenario during in the Learning for Life South East Regional Competition. The Explorer team competed in six primary scenarios ranging from domestic violence to crime scene processing. The team also competed in secondary activities ranging from simulation target shooting to basketball. Additionally, the team took third place for the team simulation target shooting and the crime scene processing scenario. Explorer Robert Tate placed second in the physical agility obstacle course amongst all male participants. Explorer Jennifer Rivera placed third in the physical agility obstacle course amongst all female participants. Explorer Brandon Hernandez placed third in the simulation target shooting.
“These individuals are the future of law enforcement,” said Mayor Jeff Porter. “Their commitment, dedication, desire, and discipline make them excellent examples of what today’s youth has to offer. To those students graduating, I wish you the best of luck on your journeys and know that you’ll always have a home in our community.”
The Police Explorers Program is a staple of Homestead PD’s youth program and provides educational training programs for young adults. The program also gives participants the chance to explore career orientations, leadership opportunities, and community service. All while challenging Explorers to become responsible citizens of their communities and the nation. Exploring is open to young men and women with an interest in learning more about careers in the field of Law Enforcement from ages 14 to 21 as long as they have completed the 8th grade and are enrolled in school.
The graduating class of Explorers was additionally honored at the June 2015 Special Council Presentation for their outstanding accomplishments:
Explorer Chief Daralene Arrocho, is a graduate from Robert Morgan Senior High School ranking in the Top 10% of her class. Ms. Arrocho will be attending Florida State University this upcoming summer after receiving the Women’s Club Scholarship along with four FSU grants.
David Miller, an Explorer Sergeant, is a graduate of the International Baccalaureate Program at South Dade Senior High ranking in the top 2% of his class. Mr. Miller is the former President of the Math Honor Society and the Vice President of the Science Honor Society. He will be attending the University of Florida this summer where he plans on studying architecture.
Krister Martinez, an Explorer Sergeant, is a graduate of the Cambridge Program at Keys Gate Senior High School. Ms. Martinez is former Vice President of the Key Club and member of the Model United Nations. She is also an Explorer Honor Guard member. She will be attending Florida Gulf Coast University this upcoming fall with plans to study forensic science.
Charisma Jackson, an Explorer, is a graduate of Robert Morgan Senior High School. Ms. Jackson has competed 4,000 community service hours which have won her a nomination for the prestigious Silver Knight Award in the Social Science category. Ms. Jackson partook in Teen Court Miami, and the Social Studies Honor Society. Ms. Jackson is attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University this upcoming summer with plans to study nursing.
Explorer Alexandro Garcia is a graduate of the Law Academy at South Dade Senior High School and a member of the Explorer Honor Guard, National Honor Society, South Dade Drama Club, and the South Dade Guitar Society. Mr. Garcia has completed 2,600 community service hours and is a volunteer at the Everglades Outpost Wildlife Refuge. Mr. Garcia is also a member of the JROTC in which he serves as a Captain and a member of the drill team. He has received the National Physical Fitness and Academic Excellence award from the JROTC. Mr. Garcia will be attending the University of South Florida this upcoming summer where he plans on majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
