In a program called Explorers, Harris County sheriff’s deputies coach volunteers ages 14 to 21 on how to be law enforcement officers. It’s a rigorous, hands-on experience funded by the East Aldine Management District.

Champs

Now, four Explorers are learning what it’s like to be tops in Texas. Their team won “best overall” at a Nov. 11 statewide competition in Corpus Christi against 45 other teams from around the state.

Their names? Carlos Sanchez, Noah Gallo, Juliana Hinojosa and Timothy Hall.

The teams they bested came from agencies such as the U.S. Border Patrol, the Houston Police Department and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.

Not bad for a program that had faded away. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office oversaw several Explorers posts before the COVID and dozens of the former participants now work as sheriff’s deputies here.

The only one that sprang back into action is East Aldine’s, according to post supervisor, Sgt. Terry Garza.

But the East Aldine program only came alive in April, which makes its statewide honor more remarkable.

Garza trains Explorers along with Sgt. David Hernandez and deputies Tylere Jackson, Eduardo Gonzalez and Valerie Moreno. Gonzalez and Moreno are former Explorers. All are part of a Sheriff’s Office force paid by the District to fight crime with East Aldine.

Of the 22 active Explorers in the group, nine competed in the state event.

Four were in Team A, which, along with “best overall,” finished first, second or third in simulations of a DWI traffic stop, an active shooter scenario and a burglary in process.

Team B placed first in a public disturbance scenario, second in an arrest/search/seizure and third in traffic accident investigation and crisis intervention. The team was Braeden Lopez, Kimberly Price, Carlos Cantu and Glenn Samuels. Cantu also took first place in physical agility.

Team A’s best overall award equaled the East Aldine program’s achievement in 2013.

Sgt. Garza leading a training

Garza, the sergeant, said she was ecstatic about the team’s performance this time.

“It’s such a great accomplishment,” she said. ”These kids work hard and they are dedicated to the program.”

East Aldine Management District Chairman Carlos Silva added to the praise.

“We are incredibly proud of what our young Explorers were able to achieve at the most recent statewide competition. Our entire community is inspired by the fact that the Explorers won 1st place by demonstrating their skills, aptitude, and dedication to the field of law enforcement, he said.

“Special thanks to all of our sheriff’s deputies who also participate in the program and help teach and train,” Silva added.

To find out about becoming an Explorer, contact Sgt. Terry Garza at
[email protected] or 832.570.8891.