Coaching youth sports teams. Counseling summer campers. Hosting a pre-FCAT barbecue to ease students' stress over the looming exam. None of these were part of Martin County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Stripling's job description. Yet, it was just these activities that recently led Learning for Life of the Gulf Stream Council to recognize Deputy Stripling as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Deputy Stripling, a 26-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was among six officers from area law enforcement agencies who were nominated for distinguished service to their profession, outstanding community involvement and exceptional mentoring to youth.
Learning for Life, a provider of character development and career education programming for youth, recognized the nominees at its Law Enforcement Awards Banquet held at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott on May 30. Over 300 guests heard of the outstanding accomplishments of local law enforcement officers and youth involved in the Exploring program.
Other nominees for Officer of the Year included Officer Philip Gelina of the Jupiter Police Department, Officer Bethany Rigney of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, Sergeant Barbara Smith of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Lillian Sutterfield of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Officer Angela Williams of the North Palm Beach Police Department.
Seven area youth and two police officers were also nominated for Learning for Life's Leadership Award. The award recognizes adult leaders and Explorers who have given exceptional leadership to Learning for Life programs. Sergeant William Smith of the Delray Beach Police Department was selected as Law Enforcement Exploring Advisor of the Year and recipient of the Leadership Award. Explorer Dwight Fetterman of the North Palm Beach Police Department's Post 911 was also honored with the Leadership Award and received a $500 college scholarship.
Explorers participating in the Law Enforcement Challenge, a police skills competition held earlier in May, received their medals and trophies at the banquet. Post 111 of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office took home the Third Place Overall trophy. Taking Second Place was Post 704 of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department. The First Place Overall trophy was awarded to the Stuart Police Department's Explorer Post 878.
The most prestigious award for the evening was given to an organization in recognition of its contribution of significant leadership to the Exploring program. The William H. Spurgeon Award, created in honor of the man considered to be a major leader in the development of career interest Exploring, was bestowed upon Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Bradshaw and his office were recognized for sponsoring two Explorer posts and a Learning for Life group with a focus on the needs of communities with limited opportunities for youth. In addition, the sheriff's office contributed financial support to Learning for Life. Taking money seized as proceeds from criminal activity, Sheriff Bradshaw reinvested it in youth development.
Exploring is a worksite-based career education program for young men and women who are 14 through 20 years old. Its purpose is to provide experiences that help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.
Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Organizations start Explorer posts by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. Exploring programs emphasize the development of career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience. For more information please contact the Gulf Stream Council Learning for Life at 1-888-472-5350.