26th Annual Law Enforcement Stations Day Was a Great Success
On Saturday May 18, 2024 Law Enforcement Exploring Post from Methuen, Westwood, North Andover and Winthrop competed at the 26th Annual Law Enforcement Stations Day which was held this year at the Massachusetts Police Training Committee (MPTC) Lynnfield, MA Police Academy. This year’s competition was hosted by the MPTC and co-sponsored by the Spirit of Adventure Council. Membership and Exploring Executive Jennifer Erickson, Exploring Commissioner Dan Perenick and Winthrop Police Exploring Advisor Lt. Steve Rogers worked closely with MPTC Curriculum Specialist and Westwood Police Exploring Advisor Steven Cromack to plan this special day for close to 100 law enforcement Explorers, Cadets and high school Criminal Justice students from around Massachusetts.
The day began with members of the 25th Recruit Officers Class (ROC) presenting the colors and Boston Bruins singer Todd Angilly performing our National Anthem. This was followed by welcoming remarks from Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger.
The day then began with team and individual competitive stations consisting of:
Arrest & Search, Crash Investigation, Family Disturbance, First Aid Officer Down, High-Risk Traffic Stop, High Stress, Mental Health Crisis, MILO Shoot/Don’t Shoot, OUI Investigation, Parking Complaint, Street Crimes, Traffic Stop. Career Development, Competitive Swim, Defensive Tactics, Physical Agility and Judgmental Driving.
A “cook out” lunch for all participants, volunteers, student officers and staff was provided by the Essex Sheriff’s Department. A career day exhibit including representatives from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Massachusetts Environmental Police, Fitchburg State University Criminal Justice Program, Massachusetts Army National Guard, UMASS Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police Dive Team and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) followed lunch along with a K-9 demonstration by the Essex Sheriff’s Department. At the end of the day, individual and team medals were presented for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category followed by overall unit awards being presented to Westwood Police Explorers in 3rd Place, Methuen Police Explorers in 2nd Place and the Westfield Police Cadet program coming in 1st Place…
During the awards ceremony the William H. Spurgeon, III Award was presented to Sgt. Paul Sicard (ret.) of the Westwood Police Department and to Lt. Steve Rogers from the Winthrop Police Department. The William H. Spurgeon, III Award is the highest recognition for individuals contributing significant leadership and dedication to their Exploring Program. Both have worked above and beyond to create very successful units and have mentored countless Explorers over their careers. They both will be honored at the Council Recognition Dinner on June 20, 2024.
The date for next year’s event at the Lynnfield Police Academy will be held on Saturday May 17, 2025. To learn more about Exploring or to start a program, please contact Jennifer Erickson at Jennifer.erickson@scouting.com. Special thanks to Mr. Sean Martin of Regan Communications for his time and support during and after the event and his positive and proactive work in promoting Exploring and Scouting for the Spirit of Adventure Council.
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