The Saint Paul Police Explorers have made their mark at the 49th State Conference, scoring a commendable third place in the Search and Arrest category. During a competitive weekend in Rochester, Minnesota, the youth group faced off against other Explorer posts, proving their mettle in law enforcement scenarios. According to a Facebook post by the Saint Paul Police Department, the team "did a great job overall."

Moreover, one of their own, Joshua Xiong, has been elected by his fellow Explorers to notably serve as the next Youth Representative. Xiong is set to represent Minnesota Explorers on the executive board for the Minnesota Law Enforcement Explorer Association, a role that speaks to his peers' trust and recognition of his leadership capabilities.

The Saint Paul Police Department was quick to acknowledge the efforts of the Advisors who have dedicated themselves to mentoring these young aspirants. Their guidance has clearly paid off, as seen by the strong performance and leadership emerging from this group. The Department expressed gratitude, emphasizing the importance of these role models in "teaching our Explorers."

The achievement of the Saint Paul Police Explorers at the conference is a testament to the hard work put forth by the young participants and their advisors, paving a path for future excellence in law enforcement. The team, alongside the newly elected Youth Representative Joshua Xiong, reflect the commitment to excellence and civic duty that the program strives to instill in its members. With such accolades, it is evident that the Explorers are not just learning to navigate the intricacies of the field but also to positively impact their communities and beyond.