Scotts Valley Police restart explorer post; new sergeant promoted and three explorers sworn in
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Summary
The police department formally restarted its explorer post and promoted Jacob Brazil to explorer sergeant; three new explorers were sworn in as volunteers and department staff and volunteers were recognized.
Scotts Valley police and city leaders recognized the relaunch of the department’s explorer post and swore in three new police explorers while promoting an existing participant to explorer sergeant.
Police Chief Opel told the council the department originally restarted an explorer post in 2014; participation declined during 2020 and later years. A Scottsdale High School student, Jacob Brazil, maintained activity in the interim and was promoted by the chief to explorer sergeant to provide leadership for a growing post. The three new explorers sworn in were Matthew Fudalum, Maya Samper Patton and Skylar Ludlow. Chief Opel described motivations for each: Fudalum graduated high school in 2024 and is interested in a policing career; Samper Patton is a Scottsdale High sophomore interested in forensic psychology; Ludlow recently graduated and is interested in investigative work and crime‑scene investigation.
The chief also thanked staff and volunteers who will support the program, including Sergeant Roberts, Sergeant Galley and Detective Roberts; he said the volunteers passed background checks and training and are ready to be sworn in. The department completed a traditional badge‑pinning ceremony and took a group photo with council members.
Why it matters: Explorer posts provide mentorship and career exploration for local youth and are staffed by volunteers and department personnel. The relaunch brings a sanctioned youth outreach and recruitment channel back to the department.
What’s next: The department will incorporate the explorers into program activities and community events; the council extended congratulations and invited ongoing community participation and support.
