Howell Police Explorers Earn Honors At National Conference

HOWELL, NJ — The members of the Howell Township Police Explorer Post 154 earned two top-5 honors at the national Police Explorer competition at the 2016 National Law Enforcement Exploring Conference last week in Phoenix, Arizona.

Howell Police Chief Andrew Kudrick said the Howell Explorer post placed fifth in the nation in the Officer Down competition and third in the physical fitness/volleyball tournament.

In addtion, Howell Explorer Sabrina Capriotti, the vice national youth representative, coordinated the conference while attending several leadership meetings, Kudrick said. Capriotti received a $2,000 scholarship for her outstanding contributions to Law Enforcement Exploring, he said.

In the Officer Down contest, 100 teams from around the country competed, Kudrick said.

"Congratulations to these amazing young adults. They represented the Howell Police Department in the highest manner," the chief said. "They competed against thousands of explorers from hundreds of posts from across the country."

"Please congratulate them. This is our future," Kudrick said.

In between training and competing, the explorers visited national landmarks and parks under the supervision and guidance of Lt. Scott Wall, Detective Robert Ortenzi and Patrolwoman Maureen McBride.

Kudrick said the event also was the 20-year reunion for himself, Wall and Ortenzi.

"Back then, it was Patrolman/Adviser Kudrick and Explorers Wall and Ortenzi," he said. All three represented Howell Police at the same conference and took home several national awards, Kudrick said.

Photos via Howell Township Police 911 Communications Facebook page