Explorer Post 900 Competes in Seminole County

Thirteen members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 900 participated in the Florida Association of Police Explorer’s state delegates meeting and pistol competition held in the Orlando area on April 11-13.  Explorer Posts from around the state met with one goal in mind, transitioning from the revolver to the 9mm semi-automatic firearm.  The F.A.P.E. decided to begin the introduction of semi-automatic firearms to Explorers nearly a year ago.  After considering the training that would be necessary to maintain the safest of environments for all explorers, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office volunteered to provide the training required during this week-end totally devoted to firearms instruction.  During this time, many explorers were introduced to the intricacies of the semi-automatic for the first time.  Hands-on training with a variety of semi-automatic firearms was provided by certified range instructors under the direction of the F.A.P.E. range master, Pete Gilbert of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.  For the thirty explorers that attended, this delegate’s meeting was a wonderful opportunity to re-emphasize the safety and techniques taught at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office during a regional transition class taught in January 2008.    

On Sunday, a pistol competition was held at the Seminole County College Gun Range.  Explorer Rachel Davidson received a 3rd place trophy in the TYRO division, Explorer Michael Metzger received a 4th place trophy in the Sharpshooter division, Explorer Corporal Cody Malander received a 4th placed trophy and Explorer Lieutenant Thomas Garmon received a 2nd place trophy in the Expert division.  Our pistol team members, Luke Dougherty, Thomas Garmon, Joshua Davidson, and Cody Malander, continue to hold the title of 2nd place in the state!    

Post 900 is fortunate to have many dedicated Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office personnel who continue to provide personalized, quality firearms instruction on a regular basis.  We also have the support of the Wyoming Antelope Club and St. Petersburg Police Pistol Club, who donate range time to members of Explorer Post 900.