The Brevard County Sheriff's Office Explorers Post 321 won first place in three categories and third place in two others at the Florida Sheriff's Explorers Association State Conference held last week. The team's achievements include top honors in Sharp Shooter Division (Firearms), Marksman Division (Firearms), and Cell Extractions & Cell Searches. They also placed third in Active Shooter Response and Loitering & Prowling Response. The competition took place in Orlando, where over 1,000 Explorers from across the state participated. Sheriff Wayne Ivey called the results 'a testament to the dedication of these young people.'
Lieutenant Dawson Gutowski, a BCSO Explorer, was elected vice president of the East/Central Region on the FSEA State Board during the conference. Gutowski, who has led the Post 321 since 2024, said the team's success stems from rigorous training and community support. 'We practice scenarios weekly,' he said. 'This recognition shows our program is preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers.'
The Explorers, who are high school students aged 14-18, participate in 20 hours of monthly training covering everything from firearms safety to emergency response. Post 321 has 120 members, with 40 attending the state conference. The team's performance in Orlando followed a 2025 state championship win in the same categories. 'We knew we had a strong group this year,' said Gutowski. 'But the competition was tough.'
Ivey highlighted the program's role in building trust between law enforcement and the community. 'These Explorers are role models,' he said. 'They show what's possible when kids invest in their future.' The BCSO Explorers will compete in national events later this year, with plans to expand training partnerships with local schools.