Lexington Police ‘reel’ people in for Cops and Bobbers
A Fun-Filled Day for the Community
Lexington, KY – Residents of Lexington experienced a different kind of police engagement yesterday. Instead of chasing perpetrators, officers from the Lexington Police Department were seen fishing with residents in a unique community outreach program, the sixth annual ‘Cops and Bobbers’ event.
A Bridge Between the Badge and the Community
The goal of the event is simple: getting children familiar and comfortable with their local police officers. Eight-year-old participant Gatewood Swan almost caught a fish on several occasions. “We almost caught a fish a couple of times, actually, but they keep getting off,” said Swan, hopeful yet amused. His optimism, however, remained undimmed as he stated, “I think so, practice makes perfect.”
Officer Brandon Means, a participant in the event, asserted that the event’s success wasn’t measured by the number of fish caught but by the relationships fostered. Means stated, “I want officers to be seen as approachable, supportive figures and not just authority figures. Sometimes we’re your neighbors, your friends, even sometimes your family.”
More Than Just Fishing
The event also served as a teaching moment for many participants. Several children were taught how to fish for the first time by the patrolling officers. The first successful catch of the day was made by ten-year-old Jaden Collins who, while visibly excited, maintained a modest vibe about his victory. According to Collins, “It was pretty easy. You just gotta reel it in.”
At the discretion of the ‘catch and release’ rule at the event, all the fish caught were released back into the waters. Although the children went home without any catches to show off, they couldn’t help but leave with their hearts full of newfound experiences and warm memories.
A Win for Community Policing
The Cops and Bobbers event shed light on not just the human faces behind the badge but also the importance of developing community relationships for effective law enforcement. There is no better way to build such a bridge than to sit side by side on a pier, casting lines into the water and sharing stories – a testament to the power of community policing.
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