Fish with a Cop 2007

By Patrol Officer Landon Ison

On May 9th the Lamar Police Department held our annual Fish With a Cop day at Wheeler Park. Each year the Lamar Police Department, along with the Missouri Department of Conservation take the Lamar 6th grade class fishing. The kids are divided into two groups. One group fished in the morning and the other in the afternoon. With approximately fifty kids in each group they kept us busy. The Conservation Department stocks the pond with catfish and bluegill each year prior to this event. We assist the kids with untangling line, taking off fish, and baiting hooks.

Each year we have a few kids that have never fished before. We teach these kids the fundamentals of fishing so when they leave they are able to fish on their own. The kids are fed lunch which is cooked by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The Conservation Department cooked a deep fried catfish and potato lunch for everyone who attended. Before each group left for the day we had a drawing for a new fishing rod and reel. The two winners were Travis Ray, and Andrew Willet. Travis Ray was one of the kids that had never fished before this event. The weather was great! Sunny skies and a light breeze made for a great day of fishing.

With this program we are trying to develop a continuing relationship between the students and the police officers. We are with them during the 5th grade with the D.A.R.E program and then again in the 7th grade with the G.R.E.A.T program. This event keeps us in contact with the student body and promotes a good healthy relationship between us. We were fortunate to have members from the Barton County Ambulance Department on hand to assist us. Wal-Mart donates the worms for this event each year. Summer Fresh donated the pop and the ketchup for lunch.