Kids see police, baseball in new light

Children in Dayton’s Inner-city are getting the chance to learn about baseball and see a different side of their local police department through a free camp.

The Cincinnati Reds Rookie Success League is a free, co-ed, character-building summer baseball program operated through volunteers and donations. The nearly 200 children participating, ages 7-12, learn basic baseball skills, like throwing a ball and swinging a bat. They are also introduced to different operations within the police department, such as the K9 unit and SWAT team.

“There’s a lot of police and inner-city issues going on right now,” said Mike Murphy, director of the Reds Rookie program in Dayton. “I think we’re pretty fortunate to have a police department that’s this engaged with the community.”

Kids spent Tuesday learning how to throw a ball, and also got to see two of Dayton police’s K-9s, Thor and Baron, track suspects and do bite work. The day’s lesson focused on cooperation and teamwork, which Officer Ted Trupp stressed is paramount when working with a K9.

“Having a teammate like a K9 is like none other,” Trupp said. “They know nothing else but to be cooperative with you, to listen to you and be dedicated to you because you’re their best friend. I depend on my partner.”

Raven Latham, a third-grader from Dayton, said she never knew police officers worked with dogs.

“I liked (Thor) a lot because he is very fun and very playful and very happy,” she said. “I didn’t know about how he can track stuff with scent.”

The camp is still looking for donations and volunteers. For more information, visit www.reds.com/redsrookie.

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