Fishing tournament helps kids get to know officers

BOONE COUNTY, Neb. -- Despite adverse weather conditions, the annual Boone County Cops and Bobbers tournament successfully brought together children and police officers for a day of fishing and community building.

Since restarting the event in 2016, Boone County Sheriff Sergeant Dustin Martin has aimed to grow the tournament and bring together communities throughout Boone County.

“It’s very encouraging. It’s nice even when the weather does not cooperate with us, we still have a decent turnout. That shows we’re doing something right,” Martin said.

Local law enforcement and Nebraska State Patrol also helped out with the event and helped kids with tips on fishing.

Martin believes events like this help people get to know officers on a personal level.

“The last few years, the kids will come up to us now and name us by our first name, which is nice,” said board member Joe Predmore. “They’re not scared of us anymore. We love that; we love it when kids come up and talk to us.”

While kids aged 0-15 could compete in the tournament, Martin says all ages are welcome to attend the event and fish for free.

Lunch and awards were handed out in the afternoon.

The event typically falls on Father’s Day, and many fathers and grandfathers were out fishing with their children.

“Just walking around, seeing all the dads and grandfathers out here with their grandkids is very nice,” Martin said.

Money donated to the event goes toward a scholarship for community schools throughout Boone County.