News Release
April 17, 2003

New York Division Co-hosts
"Explorer Recognition and Scholarship Dinner"

APR 17--The New York Division in conjunction with the Greater New York Councils of Law Enforcement Exploring, hosted the 8th Annual Explorer and Recognition and Scholarship Dinner on February 20, 2003. Law Enforcement Exploring is a collaborative effort of several agencies, both local and federal. These agencies include the DEA, FBI, NYPD, NYSMTA, AMTRAK Police, NYC Department of Correction, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FDNY, and several local District Attorneys' Offices. These agencies either sponsor programs participate in the Law Enforcement Academy or make their personnel and facilities available for training. Exploring reaches out to New York's young adults and law enforcement officials. Explores are taught the importance of higher education, self-discipline in reaching their goals and are encouraged to see law enforcement as an attainable and attractive career choice.

SAC Placido congratulates Colonel Perez, NYSP

Special Agent in Charge Anthony Placido hosted the event, which featured keynote Speaker Colonel Pedro Perez of the New York State Police. In addition former Special Agent in Charge Lewis Rice was awarded the William Spurgion Award for his dedicated service to law enforcement and the Explorer program.

Federal Drug Agents Foundation and Scholarship Recepients

As the host agency, DEA/NY sponsored a $500.00 scholarship, in addition the Federal Drug Agents Foundation donated five individual $500.00 scholarships which were awarded to explorers who are seniors in High School and are planning to attend college.

Racine Rodriquez, New York Division's Troop 9910, was named Explorer of the Year representing her troop. Additionally, Ms. Rodriquez was one of thirty individuals out of approximately 1,000 candidates, chosen to attend the FBI's nine-day Developmental Academy.