Not a cell phone or gaming device was in sight as members of numerous local law enforcement agencies were on hand to help youth ages 15 and under experience the joys of catching fish and more as part of the third annual Law Enforcement & Youth Fishing Rodeo in Easton last month.
The Fishing Rodeo started early on the hot, muggy June morning, with 153 participants and their families enjoying lots of shade and family time while catching bluegill, catfish, rockfish and more on a private, freshwater pond.
Some came with their own tackle boxes and rods, while others took advantage of the tackle and bait provided. The event included lunch and an awards ceremony sponsored by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
Leading the event were law enforcement officers, staff and retirees from the Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resources Police, Talbot County Sheriff’s Office and Easton Police Department. On hand to volunteer were numerous cadets and explorers from the Maryland State Police’s Eastern Shore barracks.
“We like to work in the communities and be proactive about community awareness around the explorer and cadet programs,” said Master Trooper Ian Rola, who oversees the program for the Eastern Shore of Maryland State Police. “This was a great day to not just see our law enforcement, but to also get to know our statewide programs.”
“This was a great opportunity to show the community that we’re here to help and here to provide,” said Danny Morales, an explorer with the Easton Barracks. “Police officers don’t always have a great name with the community, so I think it’s great that we’re showing them we’re here, we’re here to help, and we’re here to support each other.”
Each participant was engaged, talking to family and the law enforcement officers on hand for the day.
All fish were caught and released, with participants receiving fish stickers on their official angler badges. Those who caught the most fish won awards, including Jamie, who traveled from Silver Spring for the event.
“He’s been waiting for this event since we came last year,” said his father Andrew, who said that next year’s event is also already in the books. “It’s very well done, and very well appreciated, plus Jamie was thrilled to win this year.”
The event also drew a diverse crowd of youth anglers of all ages, with relationship building at the community level the true catch for law enforcement on this day.
“A lot of our families come from countries where police wouldn’t be trusted or be a viable resource,” said Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center Executive Director Matthew Peters. “This event introduces them to a different mindset and culture and a better understanding of our language and cultural differences.
“It’s part of how we educate about the services provided and the differences between the Sheriff’s office, local law enforcement, and Maryland State Police for example,” he said. “It’s a lot to understand when you’re not from this country.”
The event included tours for children of two helicopters from Maryland State Police and the Maryland Natural Resources Police along with emergency services and K-9 demonstrations, Scales-N-Tales displays, hayrides to the pond, and hamburgers and hotdogs provided by Hometown Heroes BBQ Food Truck.
“The importance of this event is the partnership with law enforcement agencies,” said event volunteer Andy Hollis. “It’s a great way to make sure that as children and teens grow up and go through their daily lives, they become more comfortable interacting with law enforcement, and making sure they understand that it’s a friend, as opposed to anything else.
“We want to express our appreciation to all the volunteers and donors who made this event possible and successful in its third year,” he said.
Next year’s date is set for June 14, with more information provided through local agencies as the event draws closer.
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