Honors For Explorer

*Long Islander News photos/Jano Tantongco
Bias proudly presents his Suffolk County proclamation, flanked by his parents, as he stands with Deputy Police Commissioner Risco Mention-Lewis (left) and Second Precinct community police officer and Explorer advisor Angela Ferrara.

By Jano Tantongco

jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

Second Precinct Police Explorer Sgt. Christopher Bias has earned an elite national standing among police Explorers. Bias was awarded the national Law Enforcement Career Achievement Award by the Explorers in recognition of his tireless and comprehensive training effort,

 “I just love to be involved in everything. I’m always active. I just love what police officers do. I just thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more not only about police officers, but our servicemen today,” Bias said of his involvement with Explorers, a service and training program for youth interested in law enforcement careers.

In just three years with the Explorers, Bias has accumulated 300 hours of volunteer service and training to earn his achievement. To qualify for the award, which is administered by the Learning for Life Corporation, Bias had to have accumulated prerequisites in physical education, academic training and community service.

“Congratulations to Chris, this is a tremendous award,” Second Precinct Inspector Christopher Hatton said, adding that his dedication and community is appreciated by all. At a ceremony last week, he presented Bias with an award from the office of Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R-Huntington Station).

June Margolin, president of civic group Huntington Matters said that community doesn’t happen accidently, that it is created. She looked to Bias as an example of taking steps toward creating a positive community.

Bias has learned about fields including the history of law enforcement, criminal justice, radio protocol, patrol work, report writing, juvenile law and crime prevention.

And somehow, he’s also had time to serve as a junior firefighter with the Huntington Manor Fire Department and a cadet and seaman with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps in the Cpl. Kyle Carpenter division in Farmingdale.

Outside of his law enforcement career, Bias is like many 17-year-olds. He runs on the Walt Whitman High School cross country track team, wields a foil on the fencing team and boxes at his local gym outside of school.

Bias aims to enter into the field of law enforcement in time, but isn’t sure yet exactly what branch of agency he’d like to work with. But, it’s certain that he wants to stay an active and engaged community leader.

“I just love to get involved with the community. [I’m] just very grateful,” Bias, a junior at Whitman.

Second Precinct community police officer and explorer advisor, Angela Ferrara, said in the 18 years she’s been advising the program, she’s seen explorers go on to fulfill their dreams.

“I am honored and privileged to have seen many explorers grow into adults, move on with careers in law enforcement, many other careers and overall, life in general,” Ferrara said.

Councilwoman Tracey Edwards, called him and the explorers, “leaders among leaders,” adding that Bias has the special distinction of being Second Precinct’s first explorer to receive the award.

“You are it. And, for you to be the first in Second Precinct, it’s just wonderful,” Edwards said. “I’m in awe of you.”