Kids go fishing with Springfield officers and firefighters at Barney Pond

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Springfield Police and Fire Departments participated in the annual Cote-Sullivan Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday.

The Youth Fishing Derby featured the “Cops & Bobbers, Hooks & Ladders” Program, which is a free fishing program for kids up to age 12. Kids got the chance to learn how to fish with Springfield first responders.

Barney Pond was stocked with fish and trophies were awarded to kids that caught tagged trout. Bob Wallace, Co-Chairman of the Springfield Lodge of Elk’s Fishing Derby, told 22News why its important to bring the community together like this.

“It’s one more thing to get people involved with their children,” said Wallace. “… Get out and spend time, get away from the computers and cellphones, get out here and meet the people and have all these organizations interact with each other.”

This annual fishing derby is in honor of Dick Cote and Marty Sullivan, both who were long-time Elks members and had a passion for fishing and making it available to everyone.

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