North Smithfield police, town councilors recognize outstanding Youth Explorers

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Town Administrator Paul Zwolenski, at left, looks on as Capt. Nathaniel Cardin-Prochniak and Chief Tim Lafferty exchange a salute.

NORTH SMITHFIELD – In crisp uniforms with demeanors fitting to their respective titles of sergeant, lieutenant and captain, three participants in the North Smithfield Police Department’s Youth Explorers program accepted awards Monday night recognizing their years of commitment and dedication to the program and the community.

Created in 2019, North Smithfield’s Explorers program offers participants ages 14 to 21 the chance to receive hands on training while exploring their interest in law enforcement.

“Youth would gain leadership skills, network with professionals and create deep-rooted interest in successful community policing,” explained NSPD Chief Tim Lafferty.

Explorers with Post 415, as it’s known, put that training to the test each year, competing against other agencies across the state at an event known as “Stations Day,” where participants complete scenario-based tasks at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich with the help of the Rhode Island National Guard. Lafferty noted that select Explorers also have the opportunity to attend a week-long overnight academy that closely mimics the paramilitary-style police academies attended by professional law enforcement.

“Participants are tested mentally, physically through PT, self discipline and camaraderie,” Lafferty said.

Locally, the group is also involved in community policing events and gains the understanding and importance of building positive relationships with those in the community, the chief explained.

Three participants have excelled in the program, and Lafferty, along with School Resource Officer Chrystal Lin-Cabral, acknowledged their accomplishments before members of the Town Council on Monday, Oct. 21, presenting awards including a plaque naming one participant the 2024 Explorer of the Year.

Capt. Nathaniel Cardin-Prochniak joined the Explorers in 2021 after years as a Boy Scout, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

“I personally had the privilege to attend his Eagle Court of Honor,” said Lin-Cabral. “I knew nothing about Boy Scouts prior to that day, but learned only 4 percent of Boy Scouts earn such high achievement.”

“His commitment to this community has been impactful through holiday food and toy drives, and renovations and landscaping to North Smithfield Animal Shelter,” said Lin-Cabral.

Cardin-Prochniak has placed first in several competitions at Stations Day including accident response, motor vehicle searches, and arrest and control alongside his partner, Sgt. Benjamin Tessier, the SRO noted. He also was named co-valedictorian of the program in 2022.

“His command presence and professionalism had agencies openly trying to recruit him,” said Lin-Cabral.

Now 21, Cardin-Prochniak is aging out of the Explorers program, and is taking criminal justice classes at Roger Williams University in hopes to become a fish & game warden. On Monday, he was named Explorer of the Year for 2024.

Dubbed the “OG Explorer,” Lt. Leilanie D’Ambra joined the program in 2019, and has been with the the post longer than some of the officers, noted Lin-Cabral.

Councilors watch on as Lt. Leilanie D’Ambra walks out in formation with her fellow Explorers after receiving an award.

“Her dedication to the post has been proven through the years as she has rarely missed, if any, meetings,” said Lin-Cabral. “She has countless hours of community service by participating in food drives, toy drives (and) trunk or treat events throughout her years in the service.”

D’Ambra was named co-valedictorian in 2022 with Explorer Cardin-Prochniak.

Sgt. Tessier joined the program in 2021, and has attended multiple Stations Day and summer academies. He’s received the Marksmanship Award and the PT Award, and placed 1st in vehicle searches and arrest control.

“This explorer also was selected valedictorian at this year’s summer explorer academy and earned the nickname ‘broken wing,'” said Lin-Cabral, noting that even an injured wrist couldn’t hold him back. “This young man has given back to this community by volunteering many hours at our annual Thanksgiving food drive and toy drives events.”

Chief Tim Lafferty watches Sgt. Benjamin Tessier return to his seat.

Tessier told councilors he hopes to become a pilot in the Air Force.

Explorers saluted that chief along with Town Administrator Paul Zwolenski as they accepted the honors.

“You three look squared away,” observed Councilor John Beauregard. “You’re going to do a great job in the future.”

“God bless you,” said Councilor Paulette Hamilton. “Thank you.”

Lafferty thanked the administrator and council for ongoing support of the program.

“I also want to thank the Youth Explorers and their families for their years of dedication and community service to the town of North Smithfield,” said Lafferty, noting that funding received each year is used to purchase the Explorers’ uniforms and stays at Camp Fogarty.

“This is why we spend the money,” said Lafferty. “I want to thank you very much for financing that line item.”

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