St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office visits with Christian Fellowship summer camp participants

Posted: July 30th, 2018 | Filed under: News Releases

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann leans in to hear a question asked by a participant of Christian Fellowship Church’s Camp Conquer Summer Camp during Law Enforcement/First Responder Day held July 27 at the church in Violet.

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann visits with Christian Fellowship Church’s Camp Conquer Summer Camp participants July 27 during Law Enforcement/First Responder Day.

Lt. Chip Englande, left, and Dep. Skyler Rauch, right, show Christian Fellowship Church’s Camp Conquer Summer Camp participants some of the equipment used by deputies.

Sgt. Chris Scheeler shows Christian Fellowship Church’s Camp Conquer Summer Camp participants how the department’s bomb robot works during the church’s Law Enforcement/First Responder Day.

Lt. Chip Englande shows Christian Fellowship Church’s Camp Conquer Summer Camp participants a type of vest worn by deputies.

Dep. Skyler Rauch helps Christian Fellowship Church’s Camp Conquer Summer Camp participants hold a heavy battering ram used by members of the S.W.A.T. team.

Dep. Skyler Rauch shows Christian Fellowship Church’s Camp Conquer Summer Camp participants the shields used by the S.W.A.T. team deputies.

Sgt. Darrin Miller shows Christian Fellowship Church’s Camp Conquer Summer Camp participants the Drug Abuse Resistance Education remote control car carrying Daren the Lion, national mascot of the D.A.R.E. anti-drug program.

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann visits with Rev. Henry Ballard, pastor of Christian Fellowship Church, during the church’s Camp Conquer Summer Camp Law Enforcement/First Responder Day held July 27 at the church in Violet.

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participated in Christian Fellowship Church’s Camp Conquer Summer Camp Law Enforcement/First Responder Day held July 27 at the church in Violet.

Sheriff James Pohlmann and several deputies visited with summer camp participants and brought along various pieces of equipment, including the Sheriff’s Office robot, remote control D.A.R.E. mascot car, vests, and other specialized equipment.

Rev. Henry Ballard, pastor of Christian Fellowship, said the purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for children to meet with the Sheriff and other officers in a non-intimidating atmosphere, fostering the opportunity to talk with police and ask questions.

Christian Fellowship holds the camp for eight weeks each summer, with activities geared to boys and girls ages 5-12. There are field trips and sessions focusing on self esteem and ways to resist bullying.

Sheriff Pohlmann said deputies spending time with young people is something that’s important to him.

“It’s important for us to take advantage of these types of opportunities to interact with the youth in our community,” the Sheriff said. “They’re our future so creating positive relationships with them pays off for everyone in the long run.”