Community Impact Night at Pizza Ranch to Support Coon Rapids Police Explorers

The Coon Rapids Police Department is inviting residents to turn an ordinary dinner into a meaningful act of community investment later this month through a Community Impact fundraising event benefiting the Coon Rapids Police Explorers.

The event will take place on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pizza Ranch, located at 1522 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW in Andover. During the three-hour fundraiser, Pizza Ranch will donate 10 percent of all guest checks to support the Explorer program.

Throughout the evening, members of the Coon Rapids Police Explorers will be on site bussing tables and interacting with guests, giving community members an opportunity to meet the young people whose leadership development and training are made possible through programs like this.

Building Future Leaders Through Real-World Experience

The Coon Rapids Police Explorers, known as Post #712, is a structured career-exploration program for youth ages 14 to 20 who are interested in law enforcement and public service. Affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America’s Exploring program, the initiative is designed to strengthen relationships between young people and law enforcement while preparing participants for future careers and civic leadership.

Explorers receive hands-on instruction from sworn officers and participate in realistic training exercises that include crime scene investigation, traffic stops, domestic crisis response, search-and-arrest techniques, and ethical decision-making. The program also emphasizes leadership development through community volunteering, weekly meetings, and public engagement.

Participants are held to clear academic and behavioral standards. Explorers must maintain at least a “C” average in school and pass a criminal background check, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on responsibility, accountability, and personal growth.

Funding the Road to Rochester

Proceeds from the Pizza Ranch fundraiser play a direct role in sustaining the Explorer program’s annual operations. Funds help cover the cost of uniforms, training equipment, and travel expenses, particularly for participation in the State Explorer Conference held each spring in Rochester, Minnesota.

The conference draws more than 50 Explorer posts from across Minnesota and neighboring states, including New York, South Dakota, and North Dakota. During the multi-day event, Explorers compete in high-pressure, scenario-based challenges evaluated by law enforcement professionals. These simulations test communication skills, teamwork, judgment, and the ability to operate effectively under stress.

Success at the conference can open doors for participants pursuing careers in criminal justice, including scholarship opportunities and professional networking that extends well beyond Minnesota.

A Simple Way to Give Back

The January 26 event offers residents an easy way to support youth development while enjoying a meal with family and friends. No tickets or special purchases are required. Guests simply dine in during the event hours, and a portion of their bill directly supports the program.

As the department notes, the Explorer program empowers young people by building leadership, confidence, and real-world skills through immersive training. For the community, the message is straightforward. Grab some dinner, give back, and help shape the future of public service.

MinneapoliMedia