The Optimist Club of Frederick held its 14th Annual Fish with a Cop program this June at the Camp Airy Pond in Thurmont. There were 22 boys and girls from across Frederick County that took part in the program. Officers from Frederick City, the Sheriff’s Department, Maryland State Police Department, National Resources Police, and Thurmont Police Departments participated in the program this year.
The officers picked up the children from their homes and transported them to the pond. The children were given a Zebco rod and tackle from the Optimist Club. The officers, as well as club members, worked with the kids to help them develop or further their fishing skills. The main purpose of this program is to encourage the children to enjoy the great outdoors and to give them a positive experience with the police officers.
When the fishing was done, the Optimist Club held a cookout and fish fry for the children and officers. They were served grilled hotdogs, chips, fried fresh fish, and ice cream and cookies. After the cookout, the officers took the children back home.
The following sponsors contributed to the program this year: Dicks Sporting Goods; The Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock, who made this program possible for stocking the pond; and Camp Airy for use of their pond. Thanks to the Strong Tower Church for providing most of the food for the program. A special thank you to Mary Pat Kulina, owner of All-Shred, for providing most of the fishing equipment. Because of these sponsors and police officers who volunteered their time, the children and officers had a very memorable experience. Thank you again to all who helped with this program again this year.
Also, a special thank you to the law enforcement of Frederick County. They volunteer their time to make sure a child has a good time, all while taking time from their own families. They should be commended for their dedication to the community of Frederick County.
Courtesy Photos
Troopers & Thurmont — Pictured from left: (front row) Stevie Ray Adams, Lucas Shane, Kara Elam, Marshall Elam, anonymous, Juliana Smith, Mason Whetzel, Jason Harris Jr.; (second row) MT Matt Crouse, TFC Timothy Coss, Trooper Dane Devin, SGT Rich Kulina, Trooper Adam Sweckard, Macenzie Ford, OFC Kori Meinsen, Trooper Gabriel Berger, Trooper Lye German, Sgt. Josh White; (back row) CPL. Tim Duhan and Bentley Beachley.
Sheriff, Frederick City, and NRP — Pictured from left: (front row) Christopher Villatoro, OFC Maggie Lee and Fred, Amber Logsdon, SGT Rebecca Carrado, Nevada, (second row) Cayden Perry, Braxden Lovejoy, Xavier Morris, Mason Moore, Jax Lavender, anonymous, Julionna Lord, Thomas Matthews, Delante Husky; (third row) CPL Jestin Joseph, OFC Alexander Mangot, OFC Joe Constantine, DFC Nicholas Thomas, Wyatt Flook, DFC Travis Dyhoff, CPL Christopher Warden, OFC Will Faith, CPL Nathaniel Minnick; (back row) OFC Cody Chaney, OFC Bradley Lowe, OFC Tim Hawkins, and SGT Bill Davis.
