Nonprofit building relationships between students and law enforcement

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) -The BamFam Foundation is working to partner with professional athletes, local law enforcement and local schools to promote positive interactions with law enforcement.

Wednesday, with the help of Former Texas A&M Wide Receiver, Kendrick Rogers and the College Station Police Department the nonprofit held its First Down Ride-Along Program for the A&M Consolidated High School Football players.

“They see us athletes as their role models and if they see us having fun with the cops, it feels okay for them to do it too,” said Rogers.

The day started off with Rogers in a ride-along with a CSPD officer.

“It was a great experience, I got to learn a lot from the cops and pick their brains,” said Rogers.

Once arriving at Tiger Stadium, the Consol team had a Q&A with several officers and Rogers.

“They can actually have that open mic to where they can ask questions and if they did have a problem or something we answer it for them,” said Chad Jones, College Station Police Officer.

Students shared positive and negative interactions with law enforcement and ask questions, like how to become a police officer.

“It helps the cops understand like some things they can work on too,” said Tyndall McNamara, AMCHS Junior.

The program ends with both athletes and officers participating in activities like drills, dodge ball, and tug of war.

“We try to have that bond and friendship and stuff with all the negativity that’s going on around us,” said Jones.

“I really didn’t think they were going to hop in and try as hard as they did but they really gave up some effort and it was really fun,” said McNamara.

The foundation says it’s a great way to promote positive and educational experiences with the law enforcement officers that serve their community outside of the norm.

A&M Consolidated High School was the 25th school they’ve done the First Down Ride-Along Program with since 2019.

“We take this program across the country, working with different police departments and schools, and it’s just very interesting to see the transformation from the kids at the very beginning to the end where they’re all hyped,” said Ian Leslie, BamFam Foundation Director of Community Development. “It’s just great to know that our efforts are paying off and we’re really out here making an impact, we’re not just talking about it we’re out here doing it.”

For more information on the BamFam Foundation and how to get involved click here.

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