Bridgeport, CT—The Center for Family Justice and several of its community partners hosted “Cops N’ Bobbers” on Saturday, June 15 at Bunnell’s Pond in Beardsley Park where police helped 18 youth, ages 8-16, learn how to fish.

Youth and caregivers from CFJ’s Elizabeth M. Pfriem’s Pathways to HOPE mentoring program were excited to attend their first mentoring fishing event. ​All the new fishers got their own rods donated by Bass Pro. One youth caught a 5 lb catfish!​

This fishing event was a unique opportunity for youth and their caregivers to bond and learn in a fun and relaxed environment. Our law enforcement mentors guided participants through the basics of fishing, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. This special event was made possible through an incredible partnership with local law enforcement.

The Bridgeport and Monroe Police Departments participated as well as Sacred Heart University staff and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Fisheries Division.

Through fishing,  police officers connected with the youth, working side by side with them, helping them bait, cast, hook and release fish.

Caring adults in our community such as Peter Bravo – Sacred Heart University’s Public Safety Supervisor – work with CFJ as a HOPE mentor. Bravo, who is also retired from the Fairfield Police Department, was at the fishing event on Saturday.

Bravo said “Cops ‘N’ Bobbers” was a way to share a passion of his with the kids.

“I think one of the important things the kids will get from Cops N’ Bobbers is the opportunity to escape what may be a challenging daily environment and experience the tranquility of nature,” Bravo said. “Being in the outdoors, and fishing in particular, can provide a peacefulness that they may not otherwise get. Fishing also teaches patience, persistence, and problem-solving skills. All of these skills are important to develop for everyday life. What’s better than learning them in a fun and social environment?”

Gary MacNamara is the former Fairfield police chief, Executive Director of Sacred Heart University Public Safety and chairman of CFJ’s White Ribbon Campaign.

MacNamara said the event was about fun, but it was also about much more.

“We know this activity forms bonds, builds confidence, teaches a different skill, enhances the positive relationships with the police, and most importantly connects our hope mentors with the kids in our area who need us,” MacNamara said.

The DEEP Fish with CARE program is supporting the event at Bunnell’s Pond with fishing equipment, bait, and tackle. DEEP’s Fish with CARE provides loaner fishing equipment and bait.

Fisheries staff, Jim Murtagh, put together some recommendations that would enhance the fishing and shoreline accessibility at Bunnell’s Pond – not only for the Cops and Bobber’s event but for the public and constituents of Bridgeport to enjoy daily.

Peter Bravo and DEEP are already taking about a September event when the fish are flourishing! ​

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About Center for Family Justice

The mission of The Center for Family Justice is to break the cycle of domestic, sexual, and child abuse and violence by providing services that create hope, restore lives and drive social change through education and community collaboration.

Our vision is to end domestic and sexual abuse and violence in our communities.

We believe that:

  • Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.
  • Collaboration with our clients, partners and communities is vital to achieve individualized choice, success and empowerment.
  • Trust is essential for our work in building self-sufficient survivors.
  • Compassion and hope allow people to thrive and feel safe.
  • Community education, awareness and outreach are essential to drive and maintain social change and justice.

For more information about The Center for Family Justice, visit

www.centerforfamilyjustice.org or call (203)334-6154. CFJ is located at 753 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, CT and serves the towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.

24/7 Hotline Numbers:

  • Domestic violence (203) 384-9559
  • Sexual violence (203) 333-2233
  • Spanish (203) 568-8332