The Law Enforcement Explorers of the Bel Air Police Explorer Post 9010 were individually recognized for their help and assistance around the community in Bel Air on April 7, 2014, by their post advisor and Bel Air Police Department Officer Rick Krause.

The Law Enforcement Exploring organization was created in 1973 for boys and girls from 14-21 that are interested in exploring careers involving law enforcement and military.

The Explorers of the Bel Air Police Explorer Post 9010 meet 2 times a month. The Explorer’s learn valuable information and practice procedures such as domestic dispute investigations that will help them in their future career.

The Explorers also help out greatly in the Bel Air community, including parking cars for town events, participating in charity events, church youth events and even holding a year round Police Youth Camp that is sponsored and run by the Explorers themselves. The success of the camp has led to the Explorers holding two sessions instead of one, each holding 32 kids from 10 years old to 14 years old.

BAPD Officer and post advisor Rick Krause says, “These young men and women show they have the level of dedication and motivation needed to be in this Explorer program, and also in the careers of law enforcement. I am very proud that the Explorers put in extra time and make sacrifices for the good of the community.”

To be promoted, the Explorers took an oral, physical, and written test. During the Bel Air Town meeting, the several Explorers were each recognized and received new promotions for their assistance in the organization.

Explorer Ralph Green was promoted to EFC and was recognized for assisting with a minor drug investigation. He is preparing to go into the Air Force.

Explorer Garrett Green was promoted to EFC and was recognized for organizing a community event for the Explorers. The event was held at his church and he had the police come and talk to the group youths to teach safety.

Explorer Japeth Musser has demonstrated dedication and motivation by attending meetings, training sessions, and several community events.

The seasoned Explorers Sean Orem, Gavin Mazer, Hope Nesbitt, Lauren Lockard and Hailey Lockard were all recognized for extended tenure. This required regular attendance to meetings, events and participation with good attitude.

Michael Cretaro and Kate Fortney are both promoted to Corporals and are described as having a lot of dedication, and outstanding testing results.

Jake Stewart is promoted to Sargeant and is recognized for his continued dedication and motivation and clear desire to become a leader.

Greg Speckman was promoted to Captain. BAPD Officer and post advisor Rick Krause described him as being able to accomplish any task assigned to him.

David Yip was also promoted to Captain. He has been involved in the program for a long time and was recognized for his devotion, and his recruiting of many explorers. BAPD Officer and post advisor Rick Krause describes him as his, “go to guy”.

Each one of these Explorers have helped, and are continuing to help the Bel Air community. If you would like more information or to become a part of this organization, contact Officer Krause at Bel Air High School.