Cops, kids hit the water for annual fishing event

Justin Burnham, 6, must have done some good deeds in his neighbourhood to be selected as one of about 20 kids from the Louis Street Community Association to go fishing with local police officers.

The Louis Street Association gang made up only about half of the group of youngsters who participated in the third annual Cops, Kids and Fishing event at Whitewater Lake in Azilda.

They all arrived at the boat launch at about 9 a.m. and eagerly waited as they were given fishing rods and tackles boxes — which they get to keep — before they were taken out onto the water for a day of fishing.

June Davis, community co-ordinator for the Louis Street Community Association, said children in her group all do a lot of work in their community or do well in school. This event is a reward for their hard work.

“The kids look forward to it every year,” Davis said. “Every year, we get more and more kids. This provides an incentive for them to work hard. Half of them didn't even sleep much last night, because they were so excited for this morning.”

Ontario Provincial Police Const. Lorne MacIsaac said he wanted to participate because it's a great opportunity to touch base with the kids and to introduce them to fishing.

“We will do our best to show them safe boating practices, but we're here to have a great day,” MacIsaac said. “This is a great excuse to hang out with the kids on a beautiful day.”

Greater Sudbury Police Chief Frank Elsner, who wasn't able to go fishing but showed up to wish the kids well, said police officers usually visit schools to talk about issues as drugs and bullying, but this is an opportunity to let them know police are there to protect them and they shouldn't be afraid to approach police.

“What we find is, if we can get out and interact with our youth at a young age and build the bond between our police service and the youth, it is effective in setting them on the right path,” he said.

“We try to reach out to the community and target children who otherwise might not have the opportunity to get out and enjoy our lakes. And, most of the officers involved with the event were there on their own time, he said, and are looking to give back to the community.”