Tidelines Fall 2017

ANNAPOLIS PD & MSSA Take Underpr i v i leged Kids Fi shing

by Lenny Rudow

A s part of the Annapolis Police Department Youth Summer Camp program, some local kids who have never even seen the Chesapeake—much less caught fish from it—were able to experience bent rods and big smiles this summer. “We hold the Fish Camp to get the community and police together,” said Lieutenant Kevin Krauss, of the Annapolis PD. “There’s a disparity between police and the community we serve, and we want these kids to grow up knowing that we’re there to help, and that we’re people too. We need to close the gaps between us.” There’s no charge for the camp, and kids get to fish in several locations from land. Then, volunteers from the

Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association, like Brennan Shute, step in to help by taking the kids and police officers out on their boats. “I’m lucky and have been able to fish from a boat since day one,” Brennan said, “but seeing these kids go out on the boat and catch fish makes it seem completely new again. The officers love it, the kids pull their first fish over the side, and… it’s just amazing—everyone has a great time.” Those interested in volunteering for next summer’s camp can contact Brennan and his father Greg via their web site ifishMD.com. Anyone wishing to donate and/or volunteer to help support the program can do so via the Annapolis Police Department’s web site or FaceBook page. A special shout-out also goes to Angler’s Sport Center for helping to provide rods and tackle to the kids.

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