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Bismarck and Mandan law enforcement officers hit the water Wednesday to show area youth a fun day of fishing in the 20th annual Cops and Kids Fishing Derby.

The group left shore early Wednesday morning on New John's Lake, north of Wilton. Each year, officers invite children ages 8-14 they come in contact with throughout the year to participate in the derby.

"The kids we choose for the derby aren't always at risk, but we take some of them from cases we've worked on," said Theresa Porter, a youth worker with the Bismarck Police Department. "We just invite any kids we've worked with who would benefit from the experience."

Between 60 and 75 children participate each year as well as volunteers from area law enforcement agencies, the Game and Fish Department and other community organizations.

All of the funding for the event comes from community donations. Officers volunteer to help with the derby and many people offer to bring their boats to make it possible.

Part of the funding came from Project Safe Neighborhood, a federal grant that benefits law enforcement agencies nationwide. The focus of Project Safe Neighborhood is gun safety, but because the fishing derby promotes positive relationships between children and law enforcement officers, it qualifies for some funding.

"The support from the community has been tremendous and it hasn't wavered," Porter said. "We wouldn't be able to do this each year without the support of the community and our law enforcement officers."

The derby wrapped up with an award ceremony on shore, where children were presented with prizes for the smallest fish, the most unique fish and other catches of the day.

@$:(Reach reporter Katie Brown at 250-8225 or cops@;bismarcktribune.net.)