Community members came out April 18 to support Northampton Police Department at its fifth annual community fishing derby.

Throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, anglers of all ages lined the banks of Hokendauqua Creek behind the police department in Northampton, attempting to ensure the fish stocked that morning did not slip away downstream and evade capture.

The police department stocked the creek twice throughout the morning, once in the early-morning hours and then once again in the midmorning, according to Robert Frantz, a police patrol officer who organizes the fishing derby.

Attendees had the opportunity to not just fish but also enjoy refreshments and enter to win prizes and gift baskets from a range of area businesses.

“The Green-Walk Trout Hatchery, where our fish come from, actually donates some of the fish,” Frantz said. “All of our prizes are all donated. We wouldn’t be able to have this without the donations from businesses in town.”

Money raised through the fishing derby helps the police department purchase equipment to support its operations.

“The money we raise here will help buy everything from firearms to office chairs — whatever the department needs,” Frantz said.

Proceeds from the event also support scholarship assistance for Northampton Area High School seniors pursuing a career in criminal justice, said Bryan Kadingo, Northampton police chief.

The winning fish this year belonged to Mike Berger, who reeled in a 6.71-pound, 23-inch catch during the morning.

“It took me all the way downstream,” Berger said. “I actually fell in, and my son netted it way downstream, so it was cool.”

The event provides a great opportunity to not only enjoy a beautiful spring day but also support the community, Berger said.

“It was a beautiful day,” he said. “It was a great day to be out there with my son. This is a great contest for Northampton Borough. They do a great job here at the police department of putting this on for the community and for kids.”

The derby not only raises money but helps build relationships and connections between the police department and its citizens, Kadingo said.

Second place went to Dominick Solomon, who caught a 3.73-pound, 19-inch fish. Third place went to Ethan Howells, with a 3.26-pound, 18-3/4-inch fish.