The Police Explorers Post is up and running again in the Village after a two-year period of inactivity.

Victor Issa, helped to restart Police Explorers Post

Pinecrest resident Victor Issa, a freshman at St. Thomas University in North Miami, has jump started Explorers Post 115 and, with the help of Pinecrest police officers Jose Rodriguez and Robert LaRicci, breathed new life into the dormant organization. Issa proudly notes that his initial call for new members received an almost overwhelming response.

"We expected eight or nine people to turn out for the first meeting," said Issa, who is majoring in criminal justice and has the goal of becoming a U.S. Marshall. "We were really surprised when 16 people showed up. I've been an Explorer for six years and I've never seen a turnout like that."

Issa says that is just the beginning and he hopes to have even greater participation once the word is out that the Police Explorers are in operation in the Village again. He said he would like to see participation from students at Palmetto Senior High, Palmetto Middle School and Westminster Academy.

"The number one priority is to get youth involved in community activities and involved in the field of criminal justice, mainly in policing activities," said Issa. "Participants may use the time spent as community service hours to satisfy a scholastic requirement. And, the experience is also valuable for getting a job in the criminal justice field."

Once Police Explorers are certified, they will wear Explorer uniforms and ride on patrol with uniformed Pinecrest officers, assist in operating traffic devices and participate in parades.

Issa, a 1999 graduate of Palmetto Senior High School, said Explorer Post 115 fell dormant about two years ago because of a lack of support.

"It just didn't have the community support that it needed to survive," he said. "We are expanding the post this time with a stronger foundation."

Issa, 18, appears on the right track and has the blessing of Village Police Chief John Hohensee, who commended him for his efforts.

"Victor approached me relatively early on after my appointment and asked if there wasn't some way we could get some things in place to re-start the Explorers and we've done that," Hohensee said. "Victor is very enthusiastic and doing a nice job trying to keep the interest in the Explorer group active.

"One of my basic philosophies is the more we engage our community the more interaction we have between our officers and our community members, including our youth population, the better off we're all going to be," he said. "And, who knows, maybe we'll see some police officer candidates in that Explorer group one day."

For more information on the Police Explorers, please call Officer Rodiguez or Officer LaRicci at the Pinecrest Police Department, 305-234-2100.