On Wednesday, Aug. 8, officers of the Merrill Police Department along with several volunteers teamed up with the Merrill Parks and Rec Department, Little Lakes Memories and retired Tomahawk Police Officer Larry Bromberek, for a very special version of MPD’s annual Cops ‘N Bobbers activity, with a handful of local children at Silver Moon Springs Fish Hatchery in Elton, Wis. This year marked the second annual event where the three organizations partnered to take a small group of special needs children on a fun trip to introduce them to the joys of fishing. After putting in a little over an hour of fishing time, the children caught nearly 200 fish. Their prized catches were later cleaned by fishery staff so children could take their fish home to their families.

Merrill Police Department Captain Greg Hartwig helps a youngster land his trout during the Cops ‘n Bobbers event on Wednesday, August 8.

“There was a lot of one on one interaction with our volunteers and sponsors,” comments Merrill Police Chief Corey Bennett. “I have no doubt the kids had a great time. It was a great day with great friends!”
On behalf of the department, Bennett would like to thank the organizations involved and the generous turnout of the many volunteers.
“In usual form, Larry (Bromberek) brought fishing gear to raffle for the kids and awards for all of them. Larry is a great advocate for the sport among our young people. Little Lakes Memories specifically sponsored the event at Silver Moon Springs, paying the fee for each fish caught,” Bennett adds. “It was a very generous donation to say the least.”
Three Merrill officers joined this year’s event: Captains Greg Hartwig and Dale Bacher and Investigator/School Resource Officer Mark Heckendorf.