(Muncie) Indiana Conservation Officer Jordan Brand and ICO Lead Chaplain John Tyner have begun planning for a 3 on 3 basketball tournament that will bring police officers and recovering drug addicts together on the same floor in Muncie.
Tyner, a Chaplain for Indiana Conservation Officers and Pastor of Tabernacle of Praise church in Muncie, who facilitate meetings for Road to Redemption substance abuse support group, began discussing this idea with the group’s leader, Brian Bell, about a week ago. The leader responded positively and the group embraced the idea.
Tyner opened the conversation with Officer Brand at a private meeting today. Brand stated that he and fellow officers have been searching for ways to positively interact with people who are struggling with addiction and began immediately calling fellow officers and other police agencies.
“Although this tournament is at its beginning stage of planning, I am excited about this opportunity to close the misconceptions that exist between police officers and recovering drug addicts”, said Brand. “People caring for one another and working together to find common ground seems like a great place to start in conquering our state’s drug epidemic.”
“Meeting the community where they are is a priority for our 10 districts and 214 Indiana Conservation Officers”, said Colonel Danny L. East, DNR Law Enforcement. “Our Officers work tirelessly within their communities to find ways to resolve problems for their citizens, this tournament is an excellent example of their efforts.”
“Our attendees of the Road to Recovery group are excited about getting the opportunity to interact with police officers in a positive way”, said Tyner. “Our citizens who struggle with addiction need to be inspired by hope and encouragement, who better than our police officers to bring them that message. I have come to learn that our Indiana Conservation Officers are leaders in the police community around our state and knew they would get the support needed to make this opportunity a reality.”
The Delaware County Sheriff Department has committed and other police agencies in the Muncie area have positively responded to the request.
