Several hundreds of area youngsters and their families converged on Furnace Dam park, along Tenth Street in Emmaus, Saturday morning, May 2, for the first “Fish with a Cop” community event.

The event was a joint venture between officers of the Emmaus Police Department and the Salisbury Township Police Department.

According to newspaper and social media invitations from acting Emmaus Police Chief Bryan Hamscher, the day was intended to be a great opportunity for kids to enjoy the outdoors, meet local police officers and make memories.

Families were lining the shores of the lake well before the 8 a.m. official start. The free fishing poles given to the first 40 youths were “gone in minutes,” Hamscher said.

Containers of bait were also provided, as well as coffee, juice boxes and breakfast snacks for all to enjoy.

For many of the younger participants, the event was their first introduction to the fishing experience.

With officers available to help with putting worms on fish hooks, showing the art of casting into the lake and being there to untangle fishing line, the event showed the officers at their best.

It was a great opportunity to confirm “police officers are your friends,” Hamscher said.

The fishing rods, bait and breakfast goodies were provided by Emmaus area businesses, including Schantz Funeral Home, TDS Technologies and Top Star Express.

The lake was freshly stocked with fish and cries of “I’ve got one,” could be heard all along the shore line.

When asked if he believed the morning a success, Schantz said he considered the turnout “phenomenal.”

Standing next to Schantz, Emmaus Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert was shaking her head affirmatively and echoing the acting police chief.

“It has been a great morning,” Gilbert said.