Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 410 placed third in a statewide law enforcement competition, and one of the agency’s own deputies was elected to lead the organization that runs it.
The Explorers attended the Florida Sheriff’s Explorers Association (FSEA) 2026 Summer State Conference in Osceola County, where nearly 400 Explorers from across the state competed in law enforcement-based scenarios. FCSO Explorer Post 410 placed third in the Unknown Trouble competition category.
The Competition
Explorers took part in 12 scenario-based competitions in addition to driving and shooting events. Categories included High-Risk Traffic Stops, Traffic Stops, Active Threat, Domestic Violence Call, Suspicious Person, Building Clearing, CIT, and Unknown Trouble. Deputy advisors from sheriff’s offices across Florida judged the events.
The FCSO team included Explorer Sergeant Charlie Torrens, Explorer Corporal Kaitlynnann Libby, Explorer Juls Nobre, and Explorer Rolando Montanez. They were recognized for their third-place finish during the conference’s closing awards banquet.
Sheriff Rick Staly praised the team’s performance. “Our Explorers represented the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office with professionalism, determination, and integrity throughout the competition,” Staly said. “Earning a third-place finish against Explorer posts from across the state is something they should be very proud of, and it reflects the hard work they put into preparing for these events and a future in law enforcement. Since I started my career as an Explorer, I know the dedication and impact advisors can have on our youth, and I thank all the advisors for volunteering to mentor and invest in our youth.”
A New State President
At the same banquet, Master Deputy Nicholas Champion was named FSEA president for the 2026-2028 term.
Champion said he was honored to take on the role. “I am very proud to assume the role of president of the FSEA. I plan to continue to grow the association and impact as many explorers as I can,” Champion said. “The main objective is to mentor them to become successful members of society whether as a law enforcement officer or another role. I would like to thank Sheriff Staly for supporting the Explorer program and supporting me as the president of the FSEA. I’d also like to thank all the advisors who have worked alongside me and allow me to lead FSEA. Our program’s success isn’t done by one person; it takes a team.”
Staly also commended Champion’s new role. “I want to commend Master Deputy Champion for being named president of the Florida Sheriff’s Explorers Association,” Staly said. “As an advisor, he has invested a great deal of time mentoring these young men and women and helping them develop the skills and confidence they need for a future in public safety. As president, he’ll have the opportunity to help shape Explorers across Florida and mentor the next generation of law enforcement professionals. I know he’ll do an outstanding job in this leadership role.”
Champion began his law enforcement career with the Holly Hill Police Department in 2013. He joined the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in 2017 and has served as an Explorer Advisor since 2018. He was named FSEA Northern Regional Advisor of the Year in 2024 and received the National Sheriffs’ Association Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisor of the Year award in 2025. Before being named FSEA president, he served the organization as assistant range master, training chair, and vice president.
About the Explorer Program
The FCSO Explorers program, known as Explorer Post 410, was established in 1986 to introduce 14- to 18-year-old high school students in Flagler County to careers in law enforcement. Explorers who finish the program and want to join FCSO after high school graduation can receive a scholarship to attend the basic law enforcement or correctional officer academy. They can also join the agency in non-sworn roles such as CCTV operator, communications specialist, or crime scene investigator, among other positions.
Those interested in joining the FCSO Explorers program can find more information at flaglersheriff.com/public-interest/explorers.
