On June 9, 2026, the first of two Cops/ Kids fishing events was held at Edgewater Park. An enthusiastic group of kids and officers gathered on this very warm morning to spend the day together fishing from the Holiday Charter Boat and enjoying each other’s company. After a brief safety talk by boat captain Bill Bratton, and some quick fishing tips from CPD Lt. Ed Lentz, the array of cops and kids, boarded the vessel and headed East to hopefully catch some Walleye or any other fish they could entice to bite the worms being presented on the hooks. After a few hours of searching the area around Cleveland Browns Stadium for fish, the group returned to the marina with just a few fish, but with smiles on their faces. Everyone then enjoyed a nice shore lunch, including the fish that were caught. Once again, this year, Lt. Lentz displayed his fish cleaning expertise and cooking talents to the kids who enjoyed every minute of the presentation and the delicious taste of the Walleye. After lunch the children had the opportunity to spend time with the CPD horses and K-9s and each left for home with a new fishing rod, bookbag and other handouts provided by PAL and Crimestoppers. A big thank you goes out to all the officers that came out, Captain Bill Bratton and his crew, Rose Roy and retired officers, John Thomas, who cooked the hot dogs and Jeff Stanczyk, who did his famous magic tricks. Thank you to Lt. Lentz for taking the time to spend with the kids, showing them how to fish and clean and cook them. Also, thanks to former Third District Commander Jim Davidson now with Crimestoppers and his assistant Pat Meehan for participating, and a huge thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gallagher for coming out and being a true supporter of our CPD officers. Hopefully we will see you all next year!
-Bob Guttu, CPF
