Feb, 1, 2026
VIROQUA, Wis. — Dozens of children traded video game controllers for jig poles on Saturday as the Vernon County Law Enforcement Association hosted its second annual Cops & Kids on the Ice event at Sidie Hollow County Park.
Sheriff Roy Torgerson credited the creation of the event to retired Lieutenant Jason Crume who returned to the ice to assist despite his recent departure from the force.
“This was pretty much the brainchild of Jason Crume,” said Torgerson. “He just recently retired, but he’s here helping today. A lot of smiles on a lot of kids’ faces.”
The event is designed to foster positive relationships between youth and police officers in a relaxed outdoor setting. Association member Dave Reinish explained that the primary goal is to build trust so children feel comfortable seeking help during real emergencies.
“We want them to interact with our law enforcement, not to be afraid in time of their need,” said Reinish. “Not to be afraid to come talk to us and so on.”
Torgerson noted that the event provides a healthy alternative to indoor activities by getting youth into the fresh air to experience natural resources they might otherwise overlook.
“What else might kids be doing on a day like today, maybe sitting on the couch playing video games,” said Torgerson. “So get ’em out. Get ’em out in fresh air and get that positive interaction with law enforcement.”
Organizers ensured that a lack of gear was no barrier to participation by utilizing donations from local businesses and partners like the Rockton Sportsman’s Club to purchase equipment. Reinish detailed how the association acquired poles and buckets to ensure every child could fish regardless of experience or equipment ownership.
“We went to Tractor Supply, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop, and they were able to, or we as the associates were able to buy some poles, tip up,” said Reinish. “Buckets and all that fun gear that you need to have to go ice fishing.”,
For the officers and staff present the day offered a chance to serve the community outside the high stress environment of patrol or emergency response. Sheriff’s Office Intern Ethan Thomas described the satisfaction of teaching children new skills while strengthening community bonds.
“It was great to see the kids interact with law enforcement, get to learn a little bit more about ice fishing, just get that community relations a little bit better,” said Thomas. “And then after dispatch, I’ll be going into some investigations working with those.”
The logistics of moving gear and people onto the frozen lake required interdepartmental cooperation. Torgerson acknowledged the heavy lifting provided by the county conservation staff who helped transport items to the fishing site.
“I really would wanna use this opportunity to give a big shout out to Vern County Land and Water for helping us today,” said Torgerson. “They helped us transport larger items clear out here. It’s about an eight minute walk and that would’ve been a lot harder without their equipment.”,
The Law Enforcement Association plans to continue its community engagement throughout the year. Reinish noted that this ice fishing day is just the first of several scheduled events including a rifle match in May and a golf outing in late summer.
“This is one of our four events,” said Reinish. “Then later in the summer we do our Cops and Bobbers.”,
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