Special to Caloosa Belle Independent
LABELLE -- Hendry County Sheriff's Office Explorer Major Andrea Gijon was elected the 2023 Florida Sheriff's Explorer Association President during the 2023 FSEA State Conference.
"Congratulations FSEA President Andrea Gijon!” said Sheriff Whidden. “I couldn’t be prouder of the young people who are members of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Explorer Post. This past week exemplifies the dedication they have in the field of Law Enforcement, as Major Gijon was elected by her state peers as president of the FSEA. I would also like to recognize the Senior Explorer Advisor, Sgt. Zachary Scelfo and Assistant Advisor, Crime Prevention Officer Kasandra Melgoza; both are former Commanders of the Explorer Post.”
Gijon has been a part of the post for three years. She is self-driven, God-fearing, willing to help whoever she can and is the model of what a leader should be when it comes to making sure the team stays together and thrives. She strives to be in politics and create changes to better the Law Enforcement career.
Since Hendry County Explorers began attending the FSEA Delegates most recently again, Gijon understood the ultimate goal of not only her advisors but also of the FSEA; wanting to further lead the future of law enforcement to success. She felt it in her, that by being the leader and link between the youth and the adults mentoring them, she could help push towards that.
Gijon addressed approximately 300 explorers from 23 different agencies from across the state at the beginning of the week-long conference.
"Today, you all have dedicated leaders, including your advisors, who choose to guide young adults in positive, character-building endeavors," Gijon said. "In this room full of young people, I see tremendous possibilities of what we can accomplish together ... We are the future of this generation and are here to network, motivate and train ... these are the goals of the FSEA that we will continue to meet and in many cases, surpass."