THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 23, 2021 Page 3 Malden Police Officers forge early, vibrant relationships with local young people Year-round activities provide close, proactive interaction as bonds continue to build By Steve Freker T he relationship-building starts early in Malden between members of its police department and youths of all ages around the community. Whether it’s coaching youth basketball and other sports in one its many collaborations with the Malden Recreation Department or conducting its own annual Police Academy as it had done the past two weeks, local police officers are continually interacting with Malden kids. Malden Police Officer Phil Halloran has been involved in both programs for years and said the participation numbers-wise and the quality of the relationships being forged are extremely valuable to the community overall. "We get to know the kids at a younger age and we can watch them grow up to young adults through their participation in these programs,” said Officer Halloran, who just completed another successful season coaching in the Mac Singleton Basketball League, which crowned its champion on Tuesday night after a seven-week regular season, plus playoffs. More than 70 players took part in the league, which is for players in grades 7 and 8. It is complemented by a younger division, which is for boys and girls in grades 4-5-6. Between 8-10 Malden Police officers assist with the leagues, coaching and mentoring kids from age 7 to 15. “We want to show the kids through this positive interaction that police officers are friendly and interested in meeting them and getting to know them,” Halloran said. “We want them to know that we go home to our own families; many of us have children just like them; we have dogs and cats at home like them. “If they like to watch ‘American Ninja Warrior’ on television, we also like to watch ‘American Ninja Warrior’ on TV,” Officer Halloran added. “There’s a lot of common ground and we get to express this through these programs.” Malden Recreation Department Coordinator Joe Levine has been a strong proponent of linking police officer involvement in the team and individual athletic programs he has created for many years. “It has been a fantastic partnership from Day One, with both our police officers and our Malden kids constantly benefitting,” Levine said. “Our community’s children have the opportunity to meet our poLawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Summer Season?!! The Malden Recreation Department’s Mac Singleton Basketball League thrives on its collaboration with the Malden Police Department as its officers coach and mentor its players in grades 4-8. Above, at Tuesday night's awards ceremony with players in front, were, in the back row, from left, Police Officer Phil Halloran, Councillor-at-Large Stephen Winslow, City Council President Neal Anderson, Mayor Gary Christenson and Police Chief Kevin Molis. (Courtesy/Malden Recreation Department) lice officers on a different level, and we have found they continue these relationships through the years as they grow older.” “It is just great when a child recognizes a police officer down the road in life. They stop and are able to share a memory or just talk and catch up on how each of them are doing,” Levine said. “That’s the best and we see it all the time.” Levine said Malden Mayor Gary Christenson and Police Chief Kevin Molis are the strongest supporters of the collaboration between the Police Department and the Recreation Department. “Everyone realizes how valuable these relationships are,” Officer Halloran said. “It really helps build a community.” Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 LB. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles/Some Restrictions May Apply) AC SPECIAL Only $69.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2012 HONDA PILOT EXL 2011 FORD FESTIVA Loaded, One Owner, Sunroof, Back-up Camera, Warranty, Only 101K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! $15,900 Financing Available! Only 105K Miles, Clean Title, Save Money on Gas! Great Commuter Car! TRADES WELCOME! $5,995 (781) 321-8841 • (617) 571-9869 Easy 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com Vehicle! We Pay Cash For Your
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