When Officer Willam Chapman's son started playing hockey, he decided to learn to ice skate. Chapman serves as a school resource officer at Newtown High School in Connecticut.
"Last year, the athletic director and I both started learning to ice skate, as our young kids were becoming interested in hockey," SRO Chapman said. "We thought a competition between the two of us would be fitting as a fundraiser for Special Olympics because Special Olympics and its unified sports programs are all about being "brave in the attempt" and trying new things."
The duo partnered with the high school hockey team to raise over $5,000 with their inaugural "Hoser Hockey Bender Classic".
When the time came to begin planning for the 2022 fundraiser, the athletic director realized he would not be able to participate this year. However, he quickly found a replacement in SRO Chapman's newly appointed partner, SRO Matt Hayes.
The SRO Showdown between Officer Hayes and Officer Chapman was a smashing success, raising over $4,000 in donations for the Special Olympics. This year's event allowed for much more participation due to softer COVID regulations, with the actual showdown taking place between periods in a varsity hockey match.
"Even the visiting team and faculty from their school helped us raise money," SRO Chapman said. "It has been really cool to see our staff, students, athletes, and their parents rally around this event. It has been overwhelmingly positive."
SRO Chapman credits the success of the event to community partners such as Hoser Hockey, Safer Schools Together, and the local ice rink which donated extra ice time for the event at no charge.
"Of course, none of this would be possible without a police command staff and board of education that works as a cohesive unit and is supportive of positive community policing," Chapman said. "Being a part of positive events like this is one of the most rewarding aspects of the SRO position."