Vernon Police Explorers Celebrate 50 Years

VERNON, CT — The Vernon Police Department's Explorer unit celebrated 50 years of service on Monday with its annual awards dinner.

Amelia Halpryn was named explorer of the year, an award given yearly based on dependability, attitude, attendance and contributions to the post. She also received a perfect attendance award, a community service award and the Slicer scholarship.

(Chris Dehnel/Patch)

Vernon Town Manager Michael Purcaro was the keynote speaker. He shared several "truths" he learned in his years of public service that has included health, emergency management, education and municipal and state government.

Other perfect attenance award winners were:

• Nathan Davis
• Mira Houghtaling
• James Reynolds

Also receiving community service awards for at least 100 hours were:

• Zach Larson
• James Reynolds
• Mira Houghtaling

The Vernon Police Explorers were formed in November 1969.