The City’s youngest police aspirants now march in style thanks to a generous sponsorship from their law enforcement chairman.
After years of planning, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly recently provided new uniforms to each Exploring post located in the city’s five boroughs.
“The skill and teamwork displayed by these young people…is impressive, but more so is the fact that each of them, throughout the year, spend their free time serving their communities,” Kelly recently stated about the NYPD hopefuls.
Among additional pieces, each Explorer received a winter and summer uniform, as well as a winter coat and windbreaker.
“The stuff they gave us is really nice,” 49th Precinct Explorer Michael Stallone commented.
Estimating the dress uniform at approximately $70 retail, the youth said receiving not one, but three full uniforms was a huge help on the pocketbook.
As a fifth year Explorer, Stallone recalled his first years in the program, saying, “When I first started you had to buy all your own stuff, and it was really expensive.”
For Detective Vance Lloyd, who runs the Explorer program at the 40th Precinct, the monetary savings was not only a much-appreciated present, but more importantly, is also a ticket for interested youth to begin their journey down the path of criminal justice.
“In my post you’re not allowed to wear any civilian clothes,” he explained. “But now they’re all fitted and they look great.”
Lloyd said the new duds are especially helpful to kids at the 4-0 because of their active color guard participation around the city.
While he explained the initial idea for new uniforms took flight approximately eight years ago, the execution process proved lengthier than expected.
Never giving up hope, however, on what he knew would be a monumental stride to citywide Explorer success, Lloyd said, “Finally, after all this time, here we are.”
And as expected, it’s making a difference.
“When they’re wearing it, they feel proud,” 45th Precinct Explorer Training Lt. Jacob Teran explained about the overall response from his fellow trainees.
Lloyd agreed with the widespread sentiment. “Even I was excited,” he said.
Sharing in the joy across town was Officer Chris Traumer, who heads the Explorer program at the 49th Precinct.
“They were so happy when they got them,” he commented, recalling the kids’ excitement as they received the new uniforms. “One kid said, ‘Thank you. It’s like Christmas.’”
Stallone couldn’t have agreed more.
“To be able to wear that uniform is an honor,” he explained. “When you’re wearing it, you represent the NYPD and you’re showing people we have respect, professionalism and courtesy and we’re good kids and we’re going out there to make a difference.”
