Indiana Troopers Serve Communities Off Duty

INDIANA - Three area local organizations are purchasing needed items thanks to the generosity of the Indiana State Police Alliance (ISPA) and the troopers that the organization represents. The Fulton Athletic League, the Peru Little League, and the Peru High School varsity girl’s basketball team have been provided grant money to purchase needed equipment and uniforms.  

The needs of the different youth organizations were brought to the attention of troopers who volunteer as coaches for various teams. Officers recommended the specific organization for a grant. An application detailing the specific need of the organizations was submitted to the Indiana State Police Alliance Board of Directors. The board then decides if certain criteria was met and then distributed the grant money. 

The money was provided as part of the ISPA “Cops for Kids” program which was started in 1991. The ongoing program is an effort to make a positive impact on crime prevention by building relationships between police officers and children. Through “Cops for Kids”, children, from toddlers to teens, witness first hand that their Indiana state troopers are stalwart members of the community, committed to serving all citizens. 

“Due to the poor economy sponsorship money has been hard to come by,” stated Indiana State Police Sergeant Dean Marks. “The money provided by the ISPA was needed and greatly appreciated. It allowed us to purchase top notch equipment to keep our little leaguers safe as they played baseball.” 

The Indiana State Police has been dedicated to serving the citizens and visitors of Indiana since 1933. Troopers understand that commitment to serving ones community is expected whether an officer is on duty or not. Many state police employees volunteer their talents to various organizations while off duty, but many gravitate towards youth sports. Police officers understand how important it is for children to have positive interaction with positive role models, being part of a team, and the ability to overcome challenges presented during team competition. 

The Indiana State Police Peru Post covers Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Tipton, and Wabash Counties in north central Indiana. Troopers working out of the Peru District are continuing the Indiana State Police tradition of commitment to community service and youth sports set by their predecessors. Troopers who are currently coaching various teams in their communities are as follows: 

• Lieutenant Matt Bilkey, baseball, Northwestern Youth League
• Trooper Josh Maller, wrestling,  Southwood High School
• Sergeant Jeremy Kelly, baseball, Peru Little League
• Sergeant Dean Marks, baseball, Peru Little League
• Master Trooper Ron Whitney, girls basketball, Peru High School
• Captain Ed Schroder, soccer, Royal Center
• Sergeant Tony Slocum, baseball, Fulton Athletic League
• Trooper Josh Tarrh, boys tennis, Kokomo High School
• Detective Tony Frawley, baseball, Tipton
• Sergeant Rick Brown, serves as a little league umpire

 
 
Anyone wanting information on the ISPA “Cops for Kids” program should call the Indiana State Police Alliance at 1-800-382-1104. 

Members of the Fulton Red Sox whose shirts and hats are sponsored by ISPA

Members of Fulton Expos whose shirts and hats were purchased by ISP Alliance

 Fulton Expos grant money provided by ISPA uniform hat and shirts