Amidst periodic rain showers, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office personnel hosted over 150 people at Chester Frost Park for the first annual Fishing with a Deputy on Saturday.
During Saturday’s event, local community children and teenagers were able to fish for free during the state’s free fishing day as well as get to know their local HCSO deputies and civilian staff. Many of the kids at the event were fishing for the first time.
The free event was designed to offer HCSO personnel the opportunity to build positive and meaningful relationships with the youth of the community.
Organizers, said, "Thanks to our sponsors, rod and reels were able to be provided to the children free of charge in order to help them continue their fishing adventures.
We were also excited to have Fishing League Worldwide Pro Fisherman Buddy Gross as our celebrity guest to sign autographs as well as give the kid’s fishing pointers throughout the day."
Corporate sponsors and partners were:
Schnellecke Logistics USA
Signal Centers, Inc.
AARP of Tennessee
Walmart
Medicare Misty
InView Graphics
Jack’s Bait & Tackle
Kennesaw Bait Company
Chattanooga Crappie Club
Hamilton County Parks & Recreation
Hamilton County Park Rangers
Chattanooga Crappie Club
Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department
Hamilton County EMS
YCAP
TWRA
Although Saturday’s rain had an impact on overall turnout, it was apparent by the many smiles and the general air of excitement shown by the kids that everyone had a great time.