CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Thursday, for the third year in a row, kids in Mecklenburg County got the opportunity to spend the day with police and other emergency teams at McAlpine Creek Park for fishing and some fun in the sun.
The hope is, while kids cast their lines, they’ll catch a connection with first responders and other members of the community.
“It was really fun," Neveah and Caleb Clemonts and Adelina Valentin told WCNC Charlotte. "It was a great experience. It’s good to see first responders outside of their job – like they’re real people."
During the event, those attending got to play games, participate in team-building activities and “reeled in” the day with new fishing skills.
They also got to hang out with first responders one–on–one.
“You have to be able to give alternatives to young people," CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said. "A lot of times the influence of their friends and the environment they could be in, we’re showing them there are a lot of other things that you can do for fun."
Those attending told WCNC Charlotte the event was the real “catch of the day.”
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