SUFFOLK SHERIFF’S EXPLORERS HONORED AT AWARD CEREMONY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: June 17, 2025

SUFFOLK SHERIFF’S EXPLORERS HONORED AT AWARD CEREMONY 

(YAPHANK, NY) On Monday, June 16, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. and the Sheriff’s Office’s Executive Staff held an end of the year award ceremony for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Explorers at the Yaphank Correctional Facility. 

Explorers received awards for length of service, community service, Explorer of the Year and more.  In addition, Sheriff Toulon and the Executive Staff recognized rank promotions for the Explorers. Please see below for a full list of recognitions. 

“The Sheriff’s Office Explorer program is designed to give young people an unforgettable firsthand experience of a career in law enforcement.  We are fortunate that the Sheriff’s Office Explorers are an outstanding group of dedicated and civic minded young men and women who are motivated to make a difference in their communities. Congratulations to all on the well-deserved achievements.”

The SCSO Explorers Program offers young men and women an introduction into law enforcement or a related career field in the criminal justice system. Aimed for youth ages 14-20, our Explorers are taught the importance of higher education, self-discipline through training, involvement in community service projects, and other Exploring events. Participants receive an inside look at the operations of the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies and regularly do tours, trainings and hands on activities with SCSO units including the Sheriff’s Response Team (SRT), Sheriff’s K9 Unit, Marine Bureau, Project Lifesaver and the SCSO Police Technology.  

List of recognitions:

Tenure Award

Ayden Delva

Anthony Ferrara

Sarah Mahlstadt

Jamaris Padilla

Community Service Award

Nicholas Golding

Eagle Award Recognition

Frank Corso

New Explorer Recognition

Dylan McCarthy 

Isabella ShawValentina BonatiMichael CanonicoLuke GerondidakisManuel FernandezCassidy MasarikLauren Fillipi

Jaslene Sosa

Sean NilssonExplorer of the Year

Luke Gerondidakis

Rank Promotions:

Explorer Sergeant                

Michael Moore                 

Isabella Shaw

Explorer Lieutenant

Nicholas GoldingKyle Morgan

For more information, contact PIO Vicki DiStefano at Victoria.distefano@suffolkcountyny.gov.