Explorer Memorial

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Off-Duty Deaths




This is a place to remember public safety explorers who have died off-duty. They were people who cared about making their community a better place.


Submissions for the memorial, email: AnthonyM83@gmail.com

Memorial for explorers killed on-duty, visit: Line of Duty Deaths

For a recognition of explorers who have gone above and beyond, visit: Special Recognition





September 11 Tribute












Police Christa Hoyt

Alachua County Sheriff's Office
August 25, 1990
Age: 18

Christa, who was also an Aluchua County SO Records Clerk, was murdered by serial killer Danny Rolling. She was the third victim out of five found during his killing spree in Gainesville. Christa was assaulted and mutilated by this man who was executed by lethal injection in October 2006 by the State of Florida..

The Florida Sheriff's Explorer Association created an awared named after her that is bestowed upon an Explorer who goes beyond his or her duties. 






Sheriff's Explorer Jennifer Strobel

Bakersfield Sheriff's Office
February 2, 1999

Jennifer was allegedly shot and killed by Bakersfield Sheriff's Deputy Cesar Ramirez after allegations of inappropriate intimate relations between the two. Ramirez then shot and killed himself.






Sheriff's Explorer Jonathon Curbelo

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Lakewood Station
August 24, 1999
Age: 16

Jonathon was hit by gunfire at 9PM from a vehicle that stopped in front of his home. He was seen talking with occupants of the car just prior to the shots being fired. It has been determined that the shooting was not related to his involvement with the sheriff's department. He is described as a "model student and scout" with a "very promising career" by his fellow officers.






Police Explorer Nicholas Ritchey

May 5, 2000

Nick was killed in an off-duty vehicle accident. He was also an Eagle Scout, a Venture Scout, and a chaplain, who was lovingly devoted to his faith, his church, and his community.






Police Explorer Christopher Michael Taylor

Davis Police Department
August 7, 2000
Age: 18

Christopher was involved in a boating accident while off-duty on August 6. He succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of the next morning.






Police Explorer Marla Miranda

Daly City Police Department
April 2, 2003
Age: 17

Marla died in a car accident in South San Francisco. She had a promising future and had been accepted to UCLA and Westpoint Academy. She received a police funeral with many explorers and officers from all over the county attending in full-uniform.






Police Explorer Bryan McClusky

October 18, 2004
Age: 20

Bryan was involved in a tractor trailer accident. He left behind his fiance, Jackie, and a six-month old baby son, Bryan Andrew McClusky.






Police Explorer Tim "Sparky" Davies

Weld County Sheriff's Office
March 20, 2004
Age: 18

Tim was hit and killed by a drunk driver on his way to an explorer meeting. He was vice president of his explorer post and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and the outdoors.






Police Explorer Sergeant Larry William Hutton

Sherwood Police Department
March 7, 2005
Age: 16

Larry died as a result of a heart attack caused by a undiagnosed heart defect. He was an active member of his explorer post, described by his peers as intelligent, hard working, and caring. He completed the week-long Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy and assisted at  the yearly Sherwood Cop Kids Youth Camp. He was also involved in choir and in his church. He was buried in class A uniform with honor guard.






Police Explorer Evan

Miami-Dade Police Department
December, 2005
Age: 17

Evan was killed during an attempted robbery. Evan in the passenger seat of a car when the suspect robbed the driver of his jewely at gunpoint. The gunman then went around to Evan's side, opened the door, and attempted to rob grab Evan's jewelry. Evan resisted and was shot at point-blank range. 







Police Explorer Nicholas DePaola Jr.

Torrignton Police Department
November 11, 2006
Age: UNK

Nick had been an explorer for about two years. He was an energetic kid who lived life to the fullest. Nick wanted nothing more then to become a police officer. 






Police Explorer Captain Nicole Theresa Moore

Ocean Township Police Department
August 1, 2006
Age: 17

Nicole was killed in a car accident in early morning hours. She was a senior at Ocean Township High School, a varsity cheerleader, and a communicant of St. Michael's RC Church. She had attended the Monmouth County Law Enforcement Academy in Freehold and held the rank of Captain in her explorer post.







Sheriff's Aviation Explorer Andrew Meelker

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
February 3, 2007
Age: 17

Andrew was vacationing at Joshua Tree with family and friends where he was boulder climbing. While trying to negotiate a ridge, Andrew fell backward about 50 feet. He initially survived the fall and was conscious and talking. Sheriff's deputies were on scene within five minutes, but it took about 30 minutes to free him from the rocks. He was airlifted to a Palm Springs hospital where he was pronounced at dead at 2:55 PM. 

Andrew, like his father, wanted to be a "40-King Pilot" for the SBC Sheriff's Office Aviation Dvision. Andrew graduated from the SBSO Explorer Academy Clas IV. He worked alongside his dad with the Aviation Division and planned on becoming a 40-King pilot with SBSO when he came of qualifying age.








Police Explorer Lieutenant Sean Vanderhoff

Tukwila Police Department
March 16, 2007
Age: 20

Sean passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a vehicle collision in eastern Washington. He was an active member of Neighborhood Life Center International Church, a lieutenant in the Tukwila Police Explorers, and had served as a PV2 in the Washington Army National Guard. Sean's great loves included God, his family, friends, music, and serving people.







Police Explorer Jessica Lynn Pierzga

Connecticut State Police
Troop B
April 14, 2007
Age: 15

Jessica died at Boston Children's Medical Center about a week after being diagnosed with the flu. She was a dedicated post member, attending station days for the CT Explorer Competition, two years of the explorer academy, and numerous post activities. Jessica was also an honor student, second-degree black belt, and a lacrosse and field hockey player. She enjoyed scuba diving, shark diving, snowboarding, water skiing, shooting, ballet, and travelling. She also participated in the local Daisies, Brownies, and Girl Scouting programs. Jessica had a love for animals and was descirbed as a kind and considerate girl.







Sheriff's Explorer Gerald Rabon

Lee County Sheriff's Department,
August 31, 2007
Age: 20

Apparently, Gerald held a job as a gas station attendant in addition to his explorer duties. On Saturday, August 25, 2007, at 2144 hours, two suspects walked into the Pik-N'-Run convenience store that adjoining the gas station and attempted a robbery. It is said Gerald intervened at some point and was shot an unknown number of times. Gerald was rushed to the hospital where he received 3 hours of emergency surgery and was given 50/50 chances. It appeared he was recovering enough to give the thumbs up sign at one point, but succumbed to his injuries on the morning on August 31.Arrested in connection with the shooting Chad Moreland, 24, and Iris Moreland, 27.

Gerald often talked eagerly of joining the Coast Guard. In 10th grade, he was recognized by the sheriff's "Do The Right Thing" program for getting help when his father had a heart attack. His father died earlier this year from another heart attack. Gerald is survived by his mother and ten-year-old little brother.







Police Explorer Brittany Armstrong

Jupiter Police Department
February 29, 2008
Age: 18

Brittany was found at a co-worker's home with a gunshot wound to the upper part of her body. Police initially responded when 26 year-old, Thomas Sutton, called 911 at 0300 hours. She was initially rushed to Jupiter Medical Center, then flow to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach. She succumbed to her injuries at 0700 hours. Sutton who's home she was at has been arrested and charged with manslaughter charges. It is not yet clear what led to the shooting.

Brittany had won an award for community services and was described as outgoing and well-liked