WPD Hosts State Cadet Competition

Real-world challenges offer career development

In May, the Westerville Divisions of Police and Fire (WPD and WFD, respectively), along with the Columbus Police Department, hosted the Heart of Ohio Law Enforcement Competition at Westerville North High School. In the annual competition, explorers from Scouting America and cadets from public safety cadet programs compete against each other in police-related scenarios. Explorers and cadets are graded on handling each scenario and competing for awards.

The competition moves to different locations throughout Ohio, namely Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and the Columbus area. The advisory board of the competition seeks recommendations for communities to host the competition and this year Westerville and Columbus took on the role. WPD has participated in the competition for 16 years.

The competition tests cadet’s knowledge of a variety of law enforcement scenarios like traffic stops, vehicle collisions, crisis intervention and crime scene investigation. The goal of the scenario-based challenges is to hone the skills of public safety cadets, preparing them for careers in law enforcement and public safety.

WPD Crime Prevention Specialist Alex Esparza was once a cadet in the City of Columbus program and is now serving in a civilian role. Esparza assists in the management of the cadet program and getting Westerville’s own cadets ready for competition.

“As a cadet program participant myself, seeing the cadets grow and prepare for their future career is very rewarding,” said Esparza. “It’s a full circle moment for me and speaks volumes for how effective these programs and competition are for preparing you for a career in public safety.”

Westerville’s own public safety cadets placed fourth overall in the competition, with cadet Landon Fulkerson placing second in the obstacle course challenge.

For more information on Westeville’s Public Safety Cadet program, visit www.Police.Westerville.org.