Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Milwaukee police connect with kids at local parks

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee police know interactions with officers can be scary or intimidating, especially for kids. So this summer, they're teaming up with the Cops and Kids Foundation to change that. Officers are meeting kids where they are -- in local parks -- for a little food and fun.

"What are we doing here?" Officer Theodor Chandler called out, running down the basketball court.

Sometimes in life, even if you aren't scoring, you're still winning.

"Is there something over that hoop?" Chandler laughed, as the ball refused to go in the basket.

"It was hot. I am out here sweating. I wasn't expecting to go full court on these kids. They give it 110%," he said.

When asked how the officers played, 11-year-old Elijah Myrick played it cool.

"They're watching me, so," Myrick laughed, not giving an answer.

No one here is keeping score. This game is about making memories, and maybe friendships.

"I think it's important for us to have these relationship-building moments," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, who came out to watch.

Chief Norman was there as the MPD teamed up with the Cops and Kids Foundation to connect with kids where they are.

"They get to interact and it's a positive," said Bob Kraemer, Cops and Kids president.

The officers came up with the plan to hand out basketballs and bike helmets at Sherman Park.

"No matter what your profession is, if it's negative, negative, negative, it wears on you. So, everyone likes to have some positive interaction," Kraemer said.

The kids were excited to show off their stuff.

Lance Porter was riding in the park with his brother that morning, and he said he needed a helmet. 

"I can show some tricks," he exclaimed.

MPD is also hosting Brat with a Cop cookouts this summer.

"It's important because it's giving back to the community, and it's building that relationship and that trust, that bond with the community and the police department," said Officer Dominique Thompson at one of the picnics.

Officer Thompson grew up in the neighborhood he now serves. Chief Norman sees efforts like these as a long-term investment.

"The payoff is, hopefully someday, one of these young ones will become one of us," he said. 

But the officers say they're scoring points today, too.

"Just coming out here, seeing the smiles on the faces and just that little inkling of bringing joy to someone's life every single day is beneficial," said Officer Chandler.

"That's fantastic and we need more officers like them today," Myrick agreed.

The first two Brat with a Cop events drew hundreds of people and they're planning to schedule more. For more information on the Cops and Kids Foundation, click here. 

If you'd like to nominate an Everyday Hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].