Chelsea DiAntonio is a wildlife refuge specialist at the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey. Photo credit: USFWS
It’s National Fishing and Boating week, and today we are showcasing a partnership that merges cops, communities and fishing. Chelsea DiAntonio of the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey shares with us this inspiring story of how one city police department is taking an active role in making positive connections with its young citizens through fishing and connecting families with the natural world around them.
When a city police department decides to hold a youth fishing derby, you can expect a great time and a fun play on words. The “Cops and Bobbers” fishing event was organized by the City of Garfield Police Department in Garfield, New Jersey, with the intent to foster positive relationships with families and young people throughout their community. One important goal of holding these community events is to deter kids from turning to the streets, getting involved with gangs, or partaking in illegal activities.
Members of the City of Garfield Police Department manage a busy registration tent. Photo Credit: USFWS
And what better way for a community to come together in a positive way then through fishing! Thus, the creation of the “Cops and Bobbers” family fishing event!
The city of Garfield is located within a mosaic of urban communities in northern New Jersey, just a few miles from Manhattan. The number of outdoor recreational areas available for families to use is minimal. But one of the few remaining community parks happens to be located just next to the police headquarters. In the middle of Dahnerts Lake Park is a nice size lake with trout stocked by the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife. While many residents take advantage of the park to play, the lake is under-utilized.
Dave Miller from The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge hands a young angler a bobber. Photo credit: USFWS
Since the Garfield Police Department had never run a fishing derby before they turned to the knowledgeable employees from the Great Swamp and Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuges for assistance. Refuge staff were well equipped for the event, bringing along hooks, bobbers, and other fishing supplies to help the young anglers. And as an added bonus, the police department brought fishing poles to be given away to the first 150 participants. The grand prize of the day was a kayak that went to one lucky angler who landed the largest trout.
A popular spot to fish was from the gazebo in the middle of Danhert’s Lake. Photo credit: USFWS
There’s no doubt that Garfield Police Department went above and beyond to outfit their young community members with all of the tools needed to get fishing! Now, thanks to the Cops and Bobbers program, maybe more residents will use the lake for fishing.
George Molnar of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge helps unhook a catfish. Photo credit: USFWS
All the refuge staff look forward to growing the partnership with the Garfield Police Department and helping with future events. Travelling to these communities and working with urban audiences and partners such as the Garfield Police Department, present a good foundation to build new connections. Adding a fun, interactive activity such as fishing helps the cause all the better, with hopes that the younger generation fosters a stronger appreciation of the natural world.
Learn more about National Fishing and Boating Week.
Find a place to fish and boat near you.
Visit Wallkill River and Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuges
Learn more about the Cops and Kids Foundation.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region 