Explorers from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office captured top awards during competition with their peers this past weekend in Gatlinburg, TN., Sheriff Ted Paxton announced today.

The Explorers, who were competing against 20 other teams in the annual southeastern regional “Winterfest” competition, took 1st place honors in the Uniform Competition and 2nd place in the Vehicle Accident Investigation competition.

Winterfest is an annual event for Explorer Posts to come together and compete. Posts that specialize in Law Enforcement, Firefighting, Emergency Medical Services, Engineering, Law and High Adventure participate every year. Twenty-nine Explorers representing Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office participated this year. Funds for the Explorers’ trip were raised from donations and fund raisers sponsored by the Post.

“We’re really proud of our Explorers,” Sheriff Paxton said. “Each year, they continue to excel and take top honors whenever they compete.” “For teenagers who may be interested in a law enforcement career, there’s not a better program available than our Explorer Program,” Sheriff Paxton added.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program is sponsored by the Sheriff’s Office. It is for young adults between the ages of 15-21. The Explorers meet weekly and learn skills that law enforcement officers are trained on when they attend the 400-hour the Law Enforcement Academy. Explorers are also given the opportunity to work with Deputies by participating in ride-alongs and other events.

Anyone interested in joining the Explorers should contact Cpl. James White at (770) 781-2222. “We are always looking for young men and women who have an interest in law enforcement,” Cpl. White said.