By Staff
Sporting trophies nearly as big as some team members, the Brighton police Explorers appeared before City Council March 2, victorious from their recent trip to the National Explorer competition in Chandler, Ariz.
Brighton Police Chief Clint Blackhurst congratulated the Explorers, taking note of the group’s mentors.
“Without the leadership of the advisors, none of this would have been possible,” Black said in thanking. Sgt. Matt Domenico, Officer Erica Gardner and Officer Monce Portillos “for their outstanding leadership that they have offered these young men.”
“This is no small deal,” Blackhurst added. “They go down there and compete against police departments from all over the United States, everywhere from Chicago to Los Angeles.”
A team from the Brighton Explorers traveled to Chandler to compete in Chandler’s Explorer Tactical Competition. That team consisted of Explorer Lt. Michael Gonzalez, Explorer Sgt. Thomas Quayle, Explorers Mario Macias, Nick Anderson, Shelbie Carr, Elias Garcia, Dylan Zimmerli, Cory Brown, Zachary Helbig and, from the Denver Police Department, Rueban Garduno
Blackhurst noted that the Explorers found themselves pitted against departments vastly larger. “Consistently for the past five years they have set a very high standard for themselves,” the chief said.
The competition, based on three days of events in various aspects of tactical police activities, was Jan. 15 to 17.
“The days and nights of the competition are extremely busy and require a tremendous amount of dedication and work on the part of these young men,” Medico said. “The Brighton police Explorers have been successful at this competition every time we have gone, and 2010 was no exception.”
Awards taken by the team included:
• Marijuana Field Raid, first place; Laser Quest Challenge, second place; Pistol Shoot, second place, Explorer Sgt. Thomas Quail
“COPS” video, second place,
Narcotics Buy Bust, fifth place
Vertical Assault, fifth place
Single Game High Score, Laser Quest Challenge, first place.
