SANDUSKY, Ohio — Sandusky Police Officer Ronta Hill-Morton teaches young football players skills that they would normally learn when they’re in high school. 

What You Need To Know

  • Sandusky police and fire bond with the youth over sports 

  • They held a weekly flag football event with kids 

  • The camp lasted four Saturdays

“Football programs are trying to have everything unified," Hill-Morton said. "From the beginning to the end. That way the kids always know okay, this is how I do this, this is how I do that.” 

But this camp isn’t just about learning technique. It’s about meeting with Sandusky police and firefighters when they’re not in uniform. 

“These are the same kids that I’ll go anywhere in the city and then they’ll be like, oh I know you, you’re my coach," Hill-Morton said. "Or, I know you from the school or I know you from safety town or whatever it is. Ultimately, that’s the big thing that we’re looking for is to make that connection in a small town."

They’ve gathered every Saturday for the last month. This is the second year they’ve held this event, where the kids come play on Saturdays. They got to play at Strobel Field for the final week. Hill-Morton hopes kids come back every year, because the more face time, the better. 

“Every year it’s a routine," Hill-Morton said. "They know. Officer Hill gonna be here.” 

Xavier Dickerson’s son looks forward to this every Saturday. He said his son goes for the fun. He goes so his boy can meet the people whose job it is to protect them. 

“Here, it’s a lot easier for these guys to come out here and meet half of the community just through sports," Dickerson said. "Introduce themselves get to be known from within. I believe that goes along with the trust.”

The event has had as many as 70 kids here this fall. Hill-Morton said it’s not about the game, it’s about teaching life lessons, and being role models. 

“Officer Hill. He was here. He did this, and acts like this," Hill-Morton said. "If I act like this, I can be successful or be a good person.