Pictured: Coconut Creek Police Explorers Jessenia Almanzar, Kreg Costa, Nicholas Costa, Aynoa Lima, Gabriel Smith, team captain Riley Fowler, team lieutenant Peyton Weinstock, and Angelina Costa [Coconut Creek Police Department]
By Kevin Deutsch
The Coconut Creek Police Department’s Explorers Program recently took top honors at the 2022 Florida Association of Police Explorers State Competition in Orlando—the first time the group has ever won the team portion of the contest.
The winning team members were Jessenia Almanzar, Kreg Costa, Nicholas Costa, Aynoa Lima, Gabriel Smith, team captain Riley Fowler, team lieutenant Peyton Weinstock, and Angelina Costa, according to the police department.
The annual contest, organized by the Florida Association of Police Explorers, drew explorer teams from law enforcement agencies across the state last month. They competed in scenario-based events simulating real-life situations faced by police officers, including a building search for hidden burglars and stopping a suspect’s vehicle after a shooting.
For the Coconut Creek team, preparation for the competition involved months of practice and training. The group took home three first-place scenario trophies, winning the crime-in-progress, traffic stop, and crisis intervention scenarios.
They bested 23 other teams for the state title, the police department said.
“This competition team worked hard and deserved to win,” said Officer Anthony Mancuso, lead advisor for the Coconut Creek Police Explorers. “Each team member brought a specific talent or skill to the table that helped in the overall outcome. The advisors did a great job preparing the team for contingencies in every scenario. We would also like to thank the City of Coconut Creek for its support in sending the team to the competition.”
Among the competition’s winners was Angelina Costa, who placed first in the physical abilities test in the female group.
The explorer program’s alumni in Coconut Creek includes police officers, military service members, and firefighters at agencies throughout the state.
The local program has been active for more than two decades. Its goal is to educate 14 to 16-year-old kids interested in law enforcement.
Applications for the explorer program are accepted year-round.
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