What is a Rochester Police Explorer?
Written by
Sgt. Katie Gonser

Since joining the Explorer Post close to three years ago I have been given so much. I have been able to compete in five state competitions and one national competition. These competitions have given me chances to meet other explorers from across the state and country.

I have also been very privileged to get excellent training from officers that I admire and respect for doing a job that not many people are willing to do, and for helping out young adults who’s    ambition is to grow up a little bit and work in the same field as them, possibly along side them in the future.

When one has been given so much, it is only fair that they give back and help out others, and that is what I have been able t o do since being in the post. It has been awesome being able to help out with the Rochester PAL program and show the kids who would come to the events a positive image of police officers, and that they are not mean people.   Seeing smiles on their faces is extremely rewarding to me.

Through the competitions, being a role model and developing friendships I have grown to be a better person.

Written by Captain Char Stahl

My name is Char Stahl, I am in the Rochester Police Explorers Post. I have been in the post for a little over four years. I am getting a degree in Law Enforcement and eventually will be a police officer.

I have learned an enormous amount while being in the post. I have learned leadership skills and how to get along with different types of personalities.

The Rochester Police Explorer Post meets between 2 to 4 times per month. During our meetings we train for different types of scenarios related to law enforcement. Some of the scenarios we train in are: bomb threat, domestics, first aid, traffic stop, traffic accident, search and arrest, and crime preventions. We use what we learn in training at state and national competitions.

Along with training the post is involved in many community events. The post helps out with the Fourth of July fireworks, traffic details, the Olmsted County Fair, Christmas Anonymous, just to name a few. Helping out with the community events helps the Explorers learn what serving the community is all about.

I know each Explorer will have an advantage in school and on the streets because of the knowledgeable training and information learned in the post.