Mundelein Explorers earn top honors at competition

Mundelein Police Explorer Post 184 took home a pair of first-place awards during the recent Illinois Police Explorer Conference, which is held every other year.

Among the awards the Explorer post received was a large trophy displayed at the police station and a new mountain bike, Mundelein police officials said in a news release. The first-place finishes were for the police bicycle operators course and the live fire competition.

Eight Explorers from the post - Justin Hoenig, Barrett Weadick, Benjamin Weadick, Rasec Chavez, Meaghan Smith, Jonathan Mendez, Mynor Herrera and Dilynn Freese - attended the six-day conference at Lewis University in Romeoville.

During the conference, the Explorers had the opportunity to compete in team and individual events against 28 other posts from throughout Illinois.

When not competing, the Explorers attended law enforcement-related seminars, conducted a march at a police memorial and networked with Explorers from other posts.

The Mundelein Police Explorers prepared for the conference by attending weekly meetings at the police department, where they received hands-on training in all aspects of law enforcement.

"The entire police department applauds the efforts and commitment of each member of Explorer Post 184. We are very proud of the first-place honors they earned at the annual conference and, by doing so, these young leaders help to showcase the best of Mundelein to a broader audience.

"I also want to acknowledge Officer Glogovsky and Officer Witt for the role they played in mentoring the Explorers," Mundelein Police Chief Eric Guenther said.