The Explorer Program is part of the Learning for Life Career Education Program for young men and women who are 14 years of age and have completed eighth grade or are 15-20 years of age with an interest in the law enforcement field.
The Park Ridge Explorer Post 911 is based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, in-service learning, character education and leadership experience. These areas are based and conducted in a public safety environment. Activities will allow Explorers to have hands-on experience with police officers in their roles in the community.
Recent Explorer training has included:
 | Basic Patrol Procedures |
| Rapid Response to Special Threats |
| Traffic Crash Investigation |
| Defensive Tactics |
| Firearm Safety |
Explorers have assisted in bike safety courses, fireworks parking/traffic control and roadside safety checkpoints.
Tentative
Meeting Schedule for 2008
Note: Administrative committee meetings are held in the same location as the regular scheduled meeting and at 1900 hrs.
Apr 02 - Meeting 1900 hrs
Apr 13 - Bike Rodeo 0900 hrs
Apr 16 - Meeting 1900hrs
Apr 19 - Earth Day at Maine Park 1000 hrs - 1600 hrs
Apr 25 - Oakton Ice Show 1600 hrs - 2100 hrs
Apr 26 - Oakton Ice Show 1100 hrs - 1600 hrs and 1600 hrs - 2100 hrs
Apr 27 - Oakton Ice Show 1100 hrs - 1600 hrs
Apr 30 - Meeting 1900 hrs
May 07 - Meeting 1900 hrs
May 18 - Norwegian Day Parade 0900 hrs
May 21 - Meeting 1900 hrs
May 26 - Memorial Day Parade 0900 hrs
Jun 04 - Meeting 1900 hrs
Jun 18 - Meeting 1900 hrs
Jul 03 - Fireworks at Maine East H.S. 1700 hrs MANDATORY
Jul 16 - Family Night
Jul 17 - Taste of Park Ridge 1800 hrs
Jul 18 - Taste of Park Ridge 1700 hrs
Jul 19 - Taste of Park Ridge 1000 and 1700 hrs
Jul 20 - Taste of Park Ridge 1500 hrs
Jul 30 - TBA
Aug 05 - National Night Out 1600 hrs MANDATORY
Aug 13 - TBA
Aug 14 - McGruff 0900 hrs
Aug 17 - ESC-NIPSTA
Aug 27 - TBA
Sep 10 - TBA
Sep 24 - TBA
Oct 08 - TBA
Oct 22 - Family Night
Nov 12 - TBA
Nov 21 - Merchant's Open House
Nov 26 - TBA
Dec 10 - TBA
Dec 22 - TBA
Events not yet scheduled : Anelise's Run, Springfest, Haunted Trails, Bike Rodeo, Maine South Homecoming
*TBA = to be announced
For further information, please feel free to contact Officer Ben Peterson or Officer Michael Luehr at the Park Ridge Police Department, 847-318-5252 or you may visit the Learning for Life website at www.learning-for-life.org/exploring.