The success of the Flathead County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Explorer Program is made possible by a dedicated team of Advisors who are committed to mentoring, educating, and inspiring the next generation of public safety professionals.
Each Advisor volunteers their time to share the knowledge, skills, and experience they have gained throughout their careers in law enforcement. Their mentorship provides Explorers with professional instruction, practical guidance, and real-world perspectives that cannot be found in a classroom alone.
All of our Advisors have successfully completed, at a minimum, a Montana POST-certified Law Enforcement Academy or have been granted Montana POST reciprocity based on equivalent law enforcement academy training from another state.
Collectively, our leadership team brings decades of experience in law enforcement, along with expertise in Fire and EMS, airport security, emergency management, private security, business ownership, and other areas of public service. This diverse background allows our Explorers to learn from professionals with a wide range of experience and provides a well-rounded understanding of careers in public safety.
Our Advisors are committed to creating a safe, professional, and supportive learning environment where every Explorer has the opportunity to grow as a leader, serve their community, and prepare for future success.
Michael Hingiss, Deputy, Post Advisor
Marquis Laude, Deputy, Associate Advisor
Charles Pesola, Corporal, Associate Advisor
Tim Schuch, Whitefish Police Sergeant, Associate Advisor
Matt Vander Ark, Deputy, Associate Advisor
Paula Sullivan, Deputy, Associate Advisor
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Explorer Program would like to recognize and thank our past Advisors for their dedication, mentorship, and service to our Explorers.
Through their commitment, they helped shape the lives of countless young adults by sharing their knowledge, experience, and passion for public service. Their leadership played an important role in building and strengthening our program, leaving a lasting impact on both our Explorers and our community.
Whether they have retired or moved on to new opportunities, we are grateful for the time, effort, and support they gave to our program. Their contributions will always be appreciated, and they will remain an important part of the history and success of the Flathead County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Explorer Program.
-Deputy Kyra Smith, Associate Advisor
-Deputy Nicole Coblentz, Associate Advisor
Our youth leaders play a vital role in the success of the Flathead County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Explorer Program. Serving as peer leaders and role models, they help guide fellow Explorers while supporting the Advisor team in the day-to-day operation of the post.
Youth leaders assist with a variety of responsibilities, including communicating meeting dates and training schedules, taking attendance, organizing activities, coordinating events, and assisting with recruitment efforts. They also help foster teamwork, professionalism, and a positive learning environment for all members.
These leadership positions provide Explorers with valuable experience in communication, organization, responsibility, and decision-making—skills that will benefit them throughout their future careers and personal lives.
Our Advisors truly could not operate the program without the dedication, commitment, and hard work of our youth leaders. We are incredibly grateful for everything they do to support their fellow Explorers and help make our program a success.
Joined Post 2907: 2023
Interests outside Explorers: Speech and debate
Career Goals: US Military
Joined Post 2907: 2023
Interests outside Explorers: Participating in Cheerleading
Career Goals: Flathead County Sheriff's Deputy
Joined Post 2907: 2025
Interests outside Explorers:
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Joined Post 2907: 2024
Interests outside Explorers:
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Joined Post 2907:
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