NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – The Redbank Valley could not have produced a more glorious day than Saturday, May 11, 2019. After several, dark, rainy days the sun climbed into an almost perfectly clear sky as local kids and their families joined members of the New Bethlehem Borough Police Department for the first “Cops & Bobbers” Kids Fishing Derby at Gumtown Park in New Bethlehem. The event is an opportunity for local kids to interact with law enforcement personnel on a personal basis in a fun setting. Cops and kids fishing – life doesn’t get much better than that!

The Cops & Bobbers Fishing Derby is one of several programs designed by the “Cops and Kids Foundation” in Wisconsin designed to give children a chance to interact with police officers in a casual, unofficial way. Officers help the kids bait their hooks, cast, hook and release fish. It gives the kids and the cops both a chance to bond and learn that they are not as different as they might think. Fishing is an enjoyable hobby that also teaches patience, ingenuity, and preparation. It is also a natural for us here in Western Pennsylvania. The Cops & Bobbers program lets cops and kids work and fish together, in the hope that kids and cops can develop good personal relationships.

The idea for a Cops & Bobbers Fishing Derby in New Bethlehem originated with NB Chief of Police Bob Malnofsky. Chief Malnofsky believes very strongly that successful policing comes when the police and the community realize that they want the same things – a safe place to live, work, and play. This event is the second public outing that Chief Malnofsky has organized in his efforts at community outreach. The Chief and several of his officers met with community members at the Community Center in February in a “Meet the Chief” coffee event.

Perfect weather and perfect park conditions for a day of fishing!

Whole families together at the Cops & Bobbers Derby in the Gumtown Park in New Bethlehem

Sixty – two (62) local children registered to participate in Cops & Bobbers, but there were many more kids fishing! Parents and other family adult members were also actively helping the little guys fish. Sponsors of the event donated money to buy trout, bass, and catfish to stock the Redbank for the Derby and to buy fishing tackle for prizes. Cub Scout Pack 403 leaders grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for the fisher kids and their families. There were 19 prizes – fishing poles, tackle, and gear – given to participating children. A 50/50 Raffle in support of the Police Dog Project yielded $90 for the winner.

Willie Belfield and his first bass!

Chief Malnofsky, Sargent Dan Clark, and Officer Seth Taylor represented the New Bethlehem Borough Police Department. Officer Nick Hawk helped Chief stock the fish and clear some brush along the creek bank. The Brookville Army Reserve Engineer Division sent a few soldiers along with a Humvee and some bigger equipment. The soldiers took kids on Humvee rides around New Bethlehem. Jefferson County Probation Department was represented by their drug-sniffing dog and his handler, Matt, who gave a presentation with the dog after lunch. Cub Scout Pack 403 was represented by leaders Susan Heschke, Tami Skinner, and Valerie and Harold Miller. Other law enforcement agencies that sent representatives were Manor Township Police, Pennsylvania State Police Clarion, Clarion County Sheriff Rex Munsee, Conservation Officer Beers from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Armstrong County was also in attendance. District Justice Jeffrey Miller helped serve lunch. Mayor and Mrs. Tim Murray of New Bethlehem cooked french fries for the crowd. New Bethlehem Borough Council was also represented by Gordon Barrows, Lisa Kerle, and Sandy Mateer.

Gavin Bish shows off his catfish

Gumtown Park was in great shape for Cops & Bobbers thanks to Kevin Reichard, Roger Hillard, Chris Bowser, Boy Scout Troop 403 and other volunteers during the Community Clean Up day sponsored by Subway and Redbank Renaissance.

The NB Police Department could not have put this event together without the help of sponsors and donors. A partial list of donors and sponsors includes Mark Aaron for Judge, Maria Battista for DA, Lisa Kerle and Charitable Deeds (in memory of Duff and Tom Kerle), Redbank Renaissance, DJ Jeff Miller, Gordon Barrows, Joe’s Pizza, Veronesi Auto Sales, Hetrick’s Farm Supply and Allegheny Valley Land Trust. Other donations came from customers at A Plus, East Brady Sports Shack, Northwest Bank (NB & Rimersburg, The Jewelry Shop, Pat and Ben Kundick Jr., Janna and Frank Magagnotti, and the Walkie Talkie Red Hats. Steve and Anna Mae Kemp, Men’s and Ladies’ Prayer Breakfasts, Joyce Foster, Hawthorn Rod and Gun Club, Sheriff Rex Munsee, Dollar General Store, Tom’s Riverside, Hosses’ Little Houses, Redbank Valley Subway, Valley Bike Shop, Rich’s Outdoor World, Cub Scout Pack 403, J&K Service Center, and Sportsman’s Outfitters also donated to the Cops & Bobbers event.

Army Reserves brought trucks to the park!

Jefferson County Probation Departments K9 Unit

RedbankValley.org extends a special “Thank You” to Rebekah Weckerly of the New Bethlehem Police Department for her assistance with this post.

PHOTOS:
For more photos, please visit: https://bit.ly/2Js0gqX

*Photos courtesy of John Gerow of TechReady Professionals & RedbankValley.org

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MEETINGS:
New Bethlehem Borough meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm at the Alltel/Windstream Building on Lafayette Street. Folks may contact the Borough’s office to be placed on the meeting agenda.

MISSION:
New Bethlehem Borough Council fosters business, community, and personal growth within the borough while maintaining the small town appeal and family friendly environment that makes New Bethlehem such a great place to work, live and raise a family.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To learn more about Council’s Goals & Objectives, please visit: NewBethlehemBoro.com/about and click the ‘Mission’ tab.

CONTACT:
To contact any member of Council or the Borough’s office, please visit: NewBethlehemBoro.com/about and click the ‘Council’ tab. You may also ‘like/follow’ New Bethlehem Borough on Facebook for the latest news/announcements: Facebook.com/NewBethlehem

For more info, please visit New Bethlehem Borough’s website: NewBethlehemBoro.com