A group of Lubbock County Sheriff’s Deputies executing warrants this week gave neighborhood kids playing basketball a surprise treat.
“We had warrant SWAT guys working one of our more problem areas, and as they were kind of going back and forth through this particular neighborhood they realized they were stopping a street ball game from happening,” said Sheriff Kelly Rowe.
“About the third time they cut through and made them stop, and get up and down the road, they decided they’d stop and join them for a minute, and have a good time with them,” he explained.
“These guys deserve some recognition,” said Maricia Watkins, whose son got to play with the deputies.
Around the country, residents have a mixed review of law enforcement in various communities. Watkins said what the LSO deputies did helped restore her faith.
“What these officers did by simply taking a few minutes to have a little fun with these boys made such a tremendous impact,” she explained,” Not just on these boys but on me as well. It really helped restore my confidence in our local law enforcement agencies.”
“LSO really shined and I am proud to be able to highlight such a positive thing in our community,” she added.
The deputies also bought pizza for the boys after their pickup game, according to Watkins.
One of the SWAT members told EverythingLubbock.com with a smile that it was an enjoyable experience to share with the kids, and said the pizza purchase was made because they lost to the kids on the court.
“These guys are part of the community too,” Rowe said. “Particularly when they take time to get out there and stop with the kids, make it clear to them that we’re not the enemy, we’re there to help them, we’re there to be friends to them. Make sure they have all the possibilities to successful even if they are in a troubled neighborhood, it’s a great thing.
