HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Pennsylvania State Police
Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker
announced today that troopers from Troop H and the State Police
Academy have volunteered to become youth mentors with Big Brothers
Big Sisters of the Capital Region as part of the organization's
Bigs in Blue program. The announcement was made at the Big Brothers
Big Sisters Over the Edge fundraising event in downtown
Harrisburg.
Bigs in Blue is a one-to-one mentoring program that connects
youth with police in their communities to build stronger bonds
between law enforcement and the families they serve and to make a
positive difference in the lives of children.
"I am especially proud of the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police for their commitment
to their communities through all that they do, but in particular
for being first in the nation to partner with Big Brothers Big
Sisters on Bigs in Blue," Gov. Wolf said. "Congratulations to the
11 members of the State Police who are beginning what I'm sure will
be a growing, productive initiative."
"The Pennsylvania State Police
is proud to be the first state police organization in the country
to participate in Bigs in Blue," said Commissioner Blocker.
"Partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters was a natural fit for the
State Police."
Eleven troopers in south central Pennsylvania have been matched with a local
elementary or middle school student as part of the pilot program.
After a thorough screening and background check, each "big" was
paired with a "little" who was referred to Big Brothers Big Sisters
because they face a challenge or adversity that may be helped by
having a mentor in their life.
"The Pennsylvania State Police
is dedicated to serving the public and improving the quality of
life for all," said Commissioner Blocker. "Bigs in Blue affords us
a unique opportunity to do that while also helping to shape a
positive perspective on law enforcement, one child and family at a
time. I cannot think of a better role model for a young man or
woman than a Pennsylvania State Trooper."
Throughout the school year, troopers will visit their "littles"
at school to help with schoolwork, play at recess, or even just
hang out.
"Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity
with a positive role-model, and we are honored that the
Pennsylvania State Police have
volunteered to be mentors in the communities they serve," said
Maddie Young, chief executive
officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. "Each
'Big' in Blue will have a positive impact on their mentee, and by
doing so, create new avenues of communication that will strengthen
the community as a whole."
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit
www.psp.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Ryan
Tarkowski (PSP), 717-783-5556 or Bethany Houser (BBBS). 717-236-0199 ext. 230
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SOURCE Pennsylvania State
Police Department