Tarentum police Chief Bill Vakulick said building relationships with the community’s youth is one of his officers’ most important roles.
On Thursday, the department connected with members of the Highlands High School football team during a special lunch. The goal was to foster positive connections between students and law enforcement.
“Opportunities like this allow our officers to connect with local youth in a positive setting, building relationship that strengthen trust and understanding,” Vakulick said.
The lunch was part of the department’s efforts to create spaces for dialogue outside of emergencies.
While the Golden Rams players served lunch, officers took time to talk about the importance of being upstanding members of the community.
They spoke about the role young leaders can have and encouraged them to carry the values learned in football into their daily lives.
Player grandparent Wendell Bradshaw, of Tarentum, helped organize the event.
“I want these kids to know these officers and know that they can have a good relationship with them,” he said.
Borough officials thanked the football team, coaches Damian Glass and Mike Foster, and Bradshaw for helping to coordinate the lunch. They also thanked Tyler Wolfe, general manager at Olive Garden in Frazer, for donating the meal.
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