Chicago First Responders Give Back
at Youth Fishing Event
CHICAGO – Sixty-five kids spent a day fishing with firefighters and police officers at the fifth annual Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) Chicago Fish with a First Responder on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Columbus Park.
The event was part of the USA’s Work Boots on the Ground program, which unites union members to volunteer their time to projects and events that help improve public access to and opportunities in the outdoors.
USA Conservation Manager Cody Campbell said the event goes beyond the morning spent fishing.
“The impact of this event lasts a lifetime,” he said. “It brings everyone together through a shared love of the outdoors while giving Chicago’s first responders the chance to build meaningful relationships in their community. At the same time, kids gain new skills and make connections to the outdoors through fishing.”
Partnering with the USA to host the event was New Concept Benefit Group, a financial planning firm focused on serving police and firefighters. Vice President Doug Aller explained the event’s objective.
“We wanted these kids to see that these first responders are brothers, sisters, parents, aunts and uncles,” he said. “We want them to see behind the vests and behind the badges. These are real people behind these roles.”
The 15 volunteers represented Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2, Chicago Police Department, Chicago Park District, Chicago Police Sergeant Association and New Concept Benefit Group.
“We had an incredible group of people that helped us out,” Aller said. “One volunteer had torn his achilles. He was cleared to drive on Thursday and helped check people in on Saturday. Volunteers who normally have busy Saturdays with kids at home showed up to this event and stayed the entire time. We’ve just been lucky with the people committed to this. It’s been a team effort for all five years.”
Each youth in attendance took home a free fishing pole and enjoyed a free picnic-style lunch after the event. Aller said while the event was a success, the work is far from finished.
“I don’t know where the fishing poles go after they walk away with them, but the ultimate goal is for a boy or a girl to use fishing poles every weekend for the rest of their lives,” he said. “The next move is for them to go fishing with a mentor. They need to have someone to show them how to fish. If you don’t get the parents, relatives, friends or other mentors involved, it’s an uphill battle.”
