The kids board the Holiday with hopes of catching the big one.
On July 27th with the 2nd District at Edgewater Park on a beautiful, and warm morning. Over 30 children from the Cleveland Boys and Girls Club joined officers from the Second District for a much anticipated fishing journey on Lake Erie. The kids received t-shirts and instructions from not only Captain Wayne Bratton, of the Holiday fishing vessel,but also from Bob Knox and his assistants from the Passion for Fishing group. Upon completion the kids were guided onto the boat and were joined by Safety Director Mike Mcgrath, Commander Stacho, and the officers from the 2nd District, and made their way from the marina out to the lake. The group fished for about three hours and although the fish didn’t cooperate they were treated to a lunch provided by The Cleveland Police Foundation with our own gourmet chef Captain Keith Sulzer cooking the hot dogs.The kids then had the opportunity to interact with officers from the Mounted Unit, K-9 Unit, and the newly formed Bicycle Unit. Although the kids and officers didn’t catch many fish they all agreed they had a great time and were quick to ask if they could come back next year. We then posed that question to Captain Bratton and he stated ” The kids can join me every year because it is very important not only to interact, and get to know the officers but also have fun while doing it”. A big thank you goes out to all the officers that attended, Captain Bratton for providing the boat, Alanna Faith from the Community Engagement Committee, and retired C.P.D. Officer, and my former partner, Dave Oxley for helping make this event a success. Bob Guttu (CPF)