Pinellas Park Police Explorers Named State Champions

PINELLAS PARK, FL —The Pinellas Park Police Department Explorer Post 912 is celebrating a state championship under the leadership of Detective Jerry Tippett.

On June 16-22, the explorers traveled to Palm Beach Gardens to compete in the 2019 Florida Association of Police explorers state competition with 30 other teams in nine team events.

The competition was scenario-based and included situations involving crisis intervention, in-progress crime, active assailant, search and arrest, crime scene and traffic stops.

The Pinellas Park Police Explorers finished first overall, and Explorer Capt. Anarely Cortes received recognition as the Explorer of the Year. This honor is given to the explorer who has exemplified character, willingness to go above and beyond his or her duties and has set a positive example.

Cortes is the youth commander of the explorer post. One example of her assistance was when an officer found a frightened woman late at night who only spoke Spanish. The officer reached out to Cortes who was able to calm the woman and find out that she was being followed by several men late at night.

With Cortes' help, the officer was able to complete the investigation and get the woman home safely.

"The young men and women of our explorer post exemplify our core values," said Chief Michael Haworth, noting that several former explorers have gone on to become officers and supervisors with the Pinellas Park Police. "I am very proud of the selflessness and dedication they demonstrate in their service to our department and our community."