When life gets to its breaking point, we’re there first. At times our work is challenging and life threatening. But other times, we are able to save lives, make a positive difference, and connect with the people. Here are a few ways we love to give back…
The Sacramento Police Activities League, better known as SacPAL, is a nonprofit organization whose primary goal is to build partnerships between youth and law enforcement in underserved communities. This partnership builds trust and fosters relationships between the police and the communities in which they serve. Officers volunteer their time to coach kids participating in a variety of sports while simultaneously striving to achieve their goal of building community trust. However, an unexpected and amazing thing resulted, a high school National Championship girls’ rugby team, The Amazons.
The Amazons’ success on the rugby field has not gone unnoticed. Numerous Amazon players have been actively recruited by elite Ivy League schools such as Harvard and service academies such as West Point. Several girls were voted High School All-Americans (GHSAA) by USA Rugby and many have already committed to play rugby at the collegiate level.
Since the start of the 2017 Football season, Officer Chad Lewis took the initiative to attend conditioning practice for the Grant Pacers Pop Warner football program. He has helped with basic coaching duties and assisted the coaching staff with various drills. The coaches and parents alike were immensely exultant and appreciative that a Sacramento Police Department officer was willing to take on the task of mentoring their children.
Throughout the conditioning season, Officer Lewis continued to make frequent visits during practices and has included his partner, Officer Thrall, on several occasions. As a result of Officer Lewis’ continued involvement, he has grown and fostered positive relationships with the team and the greater Del Paso Heights community. Officer Lewis has further represented his team spirit and support by purchasing Grant Pacers Pop Warner apparel that he wears during practices and games. During the team’s first full gear practice game last month, Officer Lewis attended while off-duty so that he could provide further encouragement for the players. They have forged strong positive relationships between SPD and the team, coaches and involved families.
On the news: Officer Gives Back to Del Paso Heights Community by Coaching Peewee Football
