Tulsa Police Host Fishing Event To Bridge Gap Between Youth And Officers

Fishing is a sport of patience. That's something ten-year-old Dallas Elifrits has down, after years of being an angler.

“I've been fishing ever since I was born, so like ten/nine years,” said Elifrits.

But he's never done the type of fishing that takes place at a Badges and Bobbers event. He had some of Tulsa's finest there to cheer him on.

At the Badges and Bobbers fishing event, the kids not only get to go out and fish, but they also get to go home with a free Zebco fishing pole and a new respect for police officers.

The Tulsa Police Gilcrease Division hosted the free event at Mohawk Park to give kids a chance to check cop cars, fish and visit with officers on a more personal level.

“It puts a human face on it,” said officer Billy White, “We get to say we're not always there to arrest somebody; we're here to help.”

About 20 kids showed up to fish during the three-hour event.

Elifrits caught some fish, and his younger brother reeled in a turtle.

So while fishing was a big focus, thanking the officers seemed to be even more important to Elifrits.

“I really wanted to come and support them and say how much I appreciate them and what they do,” said Elifrits. “They have been really good to us and protecting Oklahoma.”