The New London Police Explorers recently held their first ever awards program to coincide with National Police Week, May 11-17.
The New London Police Explorer Program is for young adults who want to learn more about careers by visiting work settings, talking with professionals, and actually trying out certain work activities.
The Exploring program has affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America and each group plans their own activities around the interest of its members.
New London currently has 21 members.
The group collectively completed 270 hours of community service last year, assisting at events such as the St. Patrick’s Parade and Irish Fest in New London and the Wolf River Sturgeon Shuffle. Just four months into 2014, the group has already logged 120 hours of community service.
They have also raised money and donated to local causes including $1,000 to the Hatten Stadium Foundation last year. In 2009, they donated $1,000 to the school district to purchase recording software and hardware for use in the Police Liaison Office at New London High School.
The group has also awarded several thousand dollars in scholarship money to Explorers who have continued onto college after high school.
At award night, May 18, 2014 four seniors received scholarships. They included Olivia Newlun, Deandra Larson, Jessie Luedke and Amy Bigalke.
Explorer of the Year
This year fellow Explorers selected Jessie Luedke as the 2013-14 Explorer of the Year. The selection is based on the characteristics of dependability, attitude, attendance, and overall contributions to the Explorer Program, the Police Department and the community. Luedke is a third year member of the program.
Attendance Awards
Eight members received perfect attendance awards. They include; Amy Bigalke, Cody Bigalke, Eric Kamholz, Tori Kepner, Vic Kempen, Peter Ozminkowski, Issac Tews, and Jordan Whynot.