Hope For Sun — And Get Out To Help The Explorers

You've probably seen the young men and women in gray shirts and black pants at recent community events in Johnston like the — those are members of the Johnston Police Explorers Post #405.

Today beginning at 8 a.m., there's a chance to give some help to the young people who provide so much support to the town, as the Explorers host their First Annual Car and Motorcycle Show at Memorial Park — hopefully.

The last two attempts at holding the show — on June 12 and August 14 — were rained out, forcing organizers to move the event to today.

During a recent interview at Town Hall, Mayor Joseph Polisena credited the group with being "a valuable part of the town, because whenever we have a town function, they're always there — and now it's time for us to be there for them."

All of the funds raised from the event will go toward the Explorers program.

Police Capt. Marc Boisvert, who coordinates the Explorers, explained that the program gives young adults a chance to experience law enforcement — thus the name "Explorers" — through community service.

Just this past year, the Explorers worked at the at Johnston High School; provided their help to ; lent a hand at the police department's ; served seniors at the recent ; and directed traffic at the — and that's just the big, visible events.

The town gets a lot out of it, and the kids get a lot out of it, too," Boisvert said.

The students also attended the Rhode Island Police Explorer Academy in Burrillville, where they met members of eight other similar programs in Rhode Island, he explained.

Two of the main organizers of today's event, George Arakelian and his wife, Gina Sabitoni-Arakelian — the daughter of the police department's prosecution officer, Emilio Sabatoni — have a son, George, in the program.

"My son found it to be very rewarding," Gina said.

"It's a great program — I think it's great for all the kids," George added.

Polisena and Police Chief Richard S. Tamburini are scheduled to begin reviewing the vehicles at noon, with a trophy presentation set for 3 p.m.

Check out the attached .pdf document for more information on today's event.