On July 15, 2010 the Somerset County Police Chief  Association hosted a fishing derby for youngsters who attend Camp Okee Sunokee.

The camp is for children with learning disabilities or Asperger syndrome and is sponsored by the Somerset County Park Commission. Several Somerset County Police Chiefs and Police Officers welcomed the campers to Pleasant Valley Park in Bernards Township.

Campers traveled by bus from North Branch Park in Bridgewater to Pleasant Valley Park. Shortly after the campers arrived, the New Jersey State Police Aviation Bureau arrived at the park with two New Jersey State Police helicopters. Two New Jersey State Troopers performed a fast rope exit of one of the helicopters while the aircraft was hovering approximately 50 feet above ground. Once on the ground a rescue cable was deployed from the helicopter and the two State Troopers were lifted via rescue hoist from the ground and into the helicopter.

Fishing began after lunch was served. Police Officers acted as fishing guides during the derby and assisted the campers who were using bamboo cane poles provided by the Somerset County Park Rangers. Campers caught a wide variety of fish. The largest fish caught during the day was a 14-inch largemouth bass. Two campers were surprised when they each caught a snapping turtle. All of the fish and the turtles were released back into the pond after being caught.

In addition to the fishing, campers were able to observe numerous police vehicles and specialized emergency equipment from law enforcement agencies throughout Somerset County.

Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Bernards Township Police Lieutenant Edward Reese.