Take Back The Park - May 2009

 

In an effort to bolster the Division Community Outreach program, the Division sponsored a youth foul shooting contest at the Billy Taylor Park located at the corner of Cypress and Camp Street in the city of Providence, Saturday May 23, 2009. At various outreach events, many of the area youth stated that they were afraid to go to this particular park due to a influx of drug dealing and gang violence that has in essence taken over. In response to this aura of fear, Colonel Doherty initiated this event entitled, "Take Back The Park".

This shoot-around event was attended by area youth, parents, and volunteers with the sole purpose to send a clear message to the element as to who the park really belongs to. Cars traveling up Cypress Street pulled over, passers by stopped in to watch, and parents accompanied their children to see what it was all about. All faces were that of laughter and happiness watching kids do what they should be able to do everyday, play safely without fear.

Once the 3 foul shooting rounds were done, the champion was crowned. But because of the generosity of Division members, and that of the Rhode Island Troopers Association everyone received a prize. Gift certificates from Dick's Sporting Goods, McDonald's, and Dunkin Donuts were handed out to all participants. Each one accepting with a thank you, and a big smile.

Those who volunteered to make this event a true success were as follows:

Colonel Brendan P. Doherty
Lieutenant Colonel Raymond White
Lieutenant Wilfred Hill
Sergeant John A'Vant
Corporal Shari Russell
Corporal Ann Assumpico
Corporal Claire Demarais (photos)
Trooper Ken Jones
Trooper Nuno Vasconcelos
Trooper Herbert Tilson
Trooper Steve Haynes
Trooper Kevin Cloud
Ms. Sandy Riojas

Providence PD officers who assisted were as follows:

Lt. Daniel Gannon
Officer William Dickie
Officer Mark Hubbard
Officer Glen Morgan
Officer Cliff Torres

"This was a great day for the Division, a great day for the park, and more importantly a great day for the kids. It will surely leave a lasting impression."

Lt. Wilfred K. Hill