NEWS RELEASE
FCSO Explorer Post 410 Places Third at FSEA Summer Conference, Master Deputy Nicholas Champion Named FSEA President
Date:Tuesday, July 14, 2026
BUNNELL, Fla. — Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 410 recently attended the Florida Sheriff’s Explorers Association 2026 Summer State Conference in Osceola County. Nearly 400 Explorers from across the state competed in various law enforcement-based scenarios. FCSO Explorer Post 410 placed third in the Unknown Trouble competition category.
FCSO Explorers competed in a total of 12 scenario-based competitions, in addition to driving and shooting. The categories included High-Risk Traffic Stops, Traffic Stops, Active Threat, Domestic Violence Call, Suspicious Person, Building Clearing, CIT, and Unknown Trouble. These competitions were judged by deputy advisors from sheriff’s offices throughout Florida.
The FCSO Explorers team—consisting of Explorer Sergeant Charlie Torrens, Explorer Corporal Kaitlynnann Libby, Explorer Juls Nobre, Explorer Rolando Montanez—was recognized for their third-place achievement during the awards banquet dinner on the conference’s final night. Master Deputy Nicholas Champion was also named FSEA president for the 2026-2028 term at the awards dinner.
Photo 1: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 410 placed third in the Unknown Trouble competition at the Florida Sheriff’s Explorers Association 2026 Summer State Conference.
Photo 2: Master Deputy Nicholas Champion was named FSEA president for the 2026-28 term.
“Our Explorers represented the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office with professionalism, determination, and integrity throughout the competition,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Earning a third-place finish against Explorer posts from across the state is something they should be very proud of, and it reflects the hard work they put into preparing for these events and a future in law enforcement. Since I started my career as an Explorer, I know the dedication and impact advisors can have on our youth, and I thank all the advisors for volunteering to mentor and invest in our youth.”
Master Deputy Nicholas Champion (Flagler County Sheriff’s Office)
“I am very proud to assume the role of president of the FSEA. I plan to continue to grow the association and impact as many explorers as I can,” said Master Deputy Nicholas Champion. “The main objective is to mentor them to become successful members of society whether as a law enforcement officer or another role. I would like to thank Sheriff Staly for supporting the Explorer program and supporting me as the president of the FSEA. I’d also like to thank all the advisors who have worked alongside me and allow me to lead FSEA. Our program’s success isn’t done by one person; it takes a team.”
“I want to commend Master Deputy Champion for being named president of the Florida Sheriff’s Explorers Association. As an advisor, he has invested a great deal of time mentoring these young men and women and helping them develop the skills and confidence they need for a future in public safety. As president, he’ll have the opportunity to help shape Explorers across Florida and mentor the next generation of law enforcement professionals. I know he’ll do an outstanding job in this leadership role,” added Sheriff Staly.
Master Deputy Champion began his law enforcement career with the Holly Hill Police Department in 2013. He joined the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in 2017 and has worked as an Explorer Advisor since 2018. He received FSEA Northern Regional Advisor of the Year in 2024 and the National Sheriffs’ Association Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisor of the Year in 2025. Prior to being named FSEA president, Master Deputy Champion previously served as FSEA assistant range master, training chair, and vice president.
The FCSO Explorers program, Explorers Post 410, was established in 1986 to expose 14- to 18-year-old high school students in Flagler County to a career path in law enforcement. Explorers who successfully complete the program and wish to join FCSO after graduation from high school can receive a scholarship to attend the basic law enforcement or correctional officer academy. They can also join the agency in non-sworn positions such as CCTV operator, communications specialist, or crime scene investigator, among many other opportunities.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the FCSO Explorers program, please visit flaglersheriff.com/public-interest/explorers.
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