Boston's finest are slipping into skates and grabbing their sticks, but not in pursuit of crime—this time, it's for community bonding. The Boston Police Department (BPD) continues to invite locals to join their Dryland Training program, a community outreach initiative in East Boston that pivots around the sport of hockey. According to a recent announcement on their official website, the BPD has moved their training indoors, leaving behind the unpredictable climes of New England's winter.
With the shift indoors, the officers and participants are free from the capricious whims of rain and snow. The department's commitment to keeping the community active and engaged is clear, as the training sessions will march on every Saturday at 9 am at the Salesian Boys and Girls Club located in East Boston. Bringing a stick is the only requirement laid out for the hockey enthusiasts looking to join in, with the promise of slots still available for newcomers.
The BPD's community sports program aims to foster stronger relationships between law enforcement officers and the residents they serve. Offering an avenue where officers and citizens can interact in a neutral environment, the initiative hopes to build rapport and understanding in a district often bustling with the energies of a diverse populace. "Hockey players bring your sticks," the officers beckoned through their website.
The program is not exclusively for those with a penchant for slap shots and hat tricks, but for anyone willing to glide into a space of communal endeavor. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the District A-7 CSO at 617-343-4752 to secure their spot, the BPD noted, ensuring all had a chance to lace up and lean into the spirit of camaraderie that sports like hockey can ignite with every puck drop.
