Local Explorers take home awards

The Hernando County Sheriff's Explorer Post 409 recently participated in the 2012 Boy Scouts of America Winterfest in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

The 37th annual event — which took place Feb. 3-5 — was attended by more than 3,200 Explorers, Sea Scouts, and Venturers from 13 states and consisted of more than 60 different events.

Among the various competitions, 15 were dedicated to the law enforcement Explorer programs. These events were represented by 70 law enforcement Explorer posts. Members of Explorer Post 409 participated in a total of seven competitive events, which included cell extraction, accident investigation, warrant service, a written exam, uniform inspections and two individual events — archery and a mariner's quiz.

The team of Alex Fagin, Gracie Leyva, Aimee Pacchiarotti and Ashley Principe was awarded with third place in accident investigations. Additionally, Kevin Keiper was awarded first place in the archery shoot competition and Anthony Pacchiarotti was awarded first place in the mariner's quiz.

Additional Winterfest participants included James Harkless, Edwin Leyva, Roberto Lopez, Joel Melendez and Cristian Miller, along with Explorer advisors Vickie Deso, Stephen Klapka and Robert Pacchiarotti.

Throughout the year the Explorers, along with their advisors, work details to raise money so they can attend this competition.

For more information on the Explorer program, contact Detective Robert Pacchiarotti at (352) 754-6830 or email advisor@explorerpost409.com.