By Laura Katauskas | Bugle Staff
Looking to build relationships with the community, the Romeoville Police Department launched a new young athletics club this summer.
Combining basketball and the principals of the Character Counts program, which is a framework for teaching good character and is composed of six ethical values including trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship, the department created a six-week program open to children ages 9-11.
“We wanted to put together a program that we thought would be fun, but also a good learning experience,” said Deputy Chief Steve Lucchesi. “We wanted to create a program that was first and foremost educational for kids. Second, it had to be fun, and fun had to be a close second.”
Meeting from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Romeoville Recreation Center each Wednesday, Sergeant Chris Burne and Officer Mark Przybylski spent the first 45 minutes of the program engaging the group with practical exercises covering the Character Counts pillars, teaching ways that each pillar could be implemented in their lives under a variety of situations.They then took to the floor to teach the fundamentals of basketball.
“The kids seem to like it a lot and parents have expressed their positive comments on the program as well,” said Lucchesi. “Personally, it has exceeded our expectations. We are always looking for ways to reach out to the community.”
Lucchesi explains that the police department teaches the DARE program to fifth graders, the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education And Training) program to sixth graders, and other classes to other age groups.
“We wanted to present this program to Pre-DARE age kids. The program is very successful this year, and the kids continually tell us how much they enjoy it,” said Lucchesi.