‘Cops and Bobbers’ returns with WTPD casting for youth outreach
When one tosses a fishing line into water all of life’s problems seem to go by the wayside. Every Thursday in June, starting at 6 p.m., Washington Township families are encouraged to meet at the police station for some family and police fishing time.
Chief Pat Gurcsik, who was promoted to chief in 2017, started “Cops and Bobbers” last year and found it to be a major success.
“When I became chief last year, one of my new missions was more community outreach,” Gurcsik said. “Last year, we held the event every Thursday night in June, and as the month progressed and word got out, each night was more crowded than the one prior.”
Gurcsik and the Washington Township Police Department decided to keep the same schedule and have Cops and Bobbers every Thursday night in June from 6 to 8 p.m. The last Thursday of the month, June 28, will have a complimentary barbeque for the families who come out.
The event is perfect for anybody looking to get out of the house and bond with their community. No fishing rod? No problem. Mike “Ike” Iaconelli, professional bass fisherman, donated fishing rods for the occasion. Every child in attendance was given a gift bag.
“The bag was donated from the [Mike Iaconelli] Ike Foundation,” Sgt. Eric Caveng said. “It had a small tackle box, sunscreen, sunglasses and information to learn about fishing.”
The lake behind the police station was packed with families and children of all ages last Thursday. Police officers patrolled the area to lend a helping hand to the young anglers; whether it was baiting a hook, untangling a fishing line, or taking a fish off the hook.
The police were also there to keep track of the fish that were caught as there was a contest in play for the kids. For every sunfish caught, the angler would add to a tally, for every bass caught, the angler would have it measured. Even though there are trophies on the line for the kids, the message behind the event is to have fun, learn to fish and spend time with the community.
“The event is a great way for our police officers to get involved with the community and do more outreach programs with the kids.” Gurcsik said.
