The first ever winter Cops and Kids On the Ice fishing event sponsored by the Vernon County Law Enforcement Association (VCLEA) at Sidie Hollow Lake over the weekend was a big hit. Over 40 kids took part in the event and Sheriff Roy Torgerson said much of the credit for coming up with the event and putting it together goes to Lt. Jason Crume.

Crume said the Sheriff’s Office does a summer fishing event called Cops and Bobbers at Blackhawk Park, but he wanted something for kids to do in the winter. Crume after discussing the idea with the Vernon County Law Enforcement Association and getting Community Policing Officer Willie Roeseler involved, Crume said they decided to reach out to area schools.

“So we first started with all the schools in the county,” said Crume. “And we asked the teachers there which kids would benefit to come out ice fishing and and fish with a cop. So we started there, and we got a list about 25 or 26 kids, which is very good, and it represented every public school in in Vernon County.”

Crume said they intended to start small the first year, but as word got about the event the list grew and by the time the got to the event over 40 kids participated.

“We added the Viroqua Fire Department for a demonstration,” said Crume. “Which I thought was good. On safety in case someone falls in the water. How do you get out or how do they get them out? And then we added the La Farge Fire Department for their drone, how the drone works, if someone becomes missing or what we use that for in emergency services. And I think that went good. And then we also had the DNR and Eugene Bay come down to talk about snowmobile safety. So we did those three things and then we got them all out here ice fishing.”

Crume said they were able to provide a lot of the equipment needed for the event because Viroqua Schools received a grant from the DNR that allowed them to purchase poles, some fishing tents and ice augers that use for outdoor classes. Crume said the district generously allowed them to use their equipment.

Crume said they also had a tent with food and door prizes that were all donated by a long list of sponsors.

“We’re going to feed them some hot dogs and and chips and cookies, and then we’re going to give away a whole bunch of door prizes,” said Crume. “And I have a list back in the tent there of all the people who donated stuff towards this here, which we can’t thank enough.”

Torgerson and Crume said the event went so well that they can tell there will likely be a second event next year.